











































































































































AUCTION BRIDGE 

IN TEN LESSONS 



AUCTION BRIDGE 

IN TEN LESSONS 

AS PLAYED SINCE 

THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW COUNT 


BY 

GRACE G. MONTGOMERY 


n 



NEW YORK 

CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS 

1912 



Copyright, igi2, by 
CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS 


Published November, 1912 



©Cl. A3284 65 
/ U-o / 



I DEDICATE THIS LITTLE BOOK 


TO MY PUPILS 

FOR WHOSE HELP AND GUIDANCE 
I HAVE WRITTEN IT 
AND IN REMEMBRANCE OF 
THE MANY PLEASANT HOURS WE HAVE 


PASSED TOGETHER 




PREFACE 


THE principles of the game of Auction Bridge 
have been so well elucidated and expressed by well- 
known authors, both American and English, that 
there would seem but little for me to write about, 
nor shall I attempt to add much to what has al¬ 
ready been written, my only desire being to put 
these principles before my readers in such a form 
as to be easily comprehended by all. 

The plan I have adopted has seemed to me to be 
clear and concise. 

It answers the many questions that are continu¬ 
ally being asked in class and over the card-table 
and tells the reason “why.” 

If each lesson is learned and understood thor¬ 
oughly before passing on to the next, by the time 
the last one is mastered the student will have ac¬ 
quired a good fundamental knowledge of the game. 

He will know with what strength he should make 


Vlll 


PREFACE 


his original declarations and when to assist his 
Partner, also he will have acquired a thorough 
knowledge of how to estimate the worth of his 
cards both for attack and assistance. 

This knowledge will enable the Player to avoid 
over-bidding his hand, a fault which entails greater 
losses than any other. 

I shall deal with the game as it is played to-day, 
all declarations and inferences being based on the 
new values of the suits. 

The “New Count” has materially changed the 
declarations, bringing the black suits into game¬ 
making prominence and making a much more 
evenly balanced game. 

It is with these declarations and with the infer¬ 
ences they convey that the earnest student would 
do well to become thoroughly familiar, for it is by 
them that the game is most vitally affected. 


A WORD IN EXPLANATION 


WITH the kind permission of the Whist Club of 
New York, their latest laws and amendments re¬ 
lating to Auction Bridge, will be found in the back 
of this book. 

I have not thought it necessary to describe the 
formation of tables, scoring of the game, etc., as all 
necessary information on these points is embodied 
in their rules, but the statement I give of the new 
.trick values may be found convenient for those who 
are not thoroughly familiar with them. 


Trick Values 


EACH TRICK OVER SIX 


Spades... 2 
Clubs ... 6 
Diamonds . 7 
Hearts ... 8 
Royals. . . 9 

No Trump 10 


Five tricks (over the book of six) 
to make game. 

Four tricks (over the book of six) 
to make game. 

Three tricks (over the book of six) 
to make game. 


IX 


X 


A WORD IN EXPLANATION 


These new laws and amendments to the old ones, 
were made necessary when the Club adopted the 
new trick and Honor values known as the “ New 
Count,” and these laws are recognized and ac¬ 
cepted throughout the United States as the final 
authority. 

All questions should be decided by them. I wish 
I could impress upon all Players of Auction how 
much more interesting it would make the game if 
all the laws were strictly observed and all penalties 
exacted. 

There seems to be a false idea prevalent, among 
non-money players especially, that to exact a pen¬ 
alty is to take a mean advantage and is an ungra¬ 
cious act. 

On the contrary, the strict observance of the 
rules and the rigid exaction of all the penalties 
makes the game a real contest and causes the Player 
to be keener and more careful in his play, which in 
the long run will help his game materially. 

Each law, and if broken, its penalty, should be 



A WORD IN EXPLANATION 


xi 


studied and memorized in order that the Player in 
fault can be penalized correctly without the usual 
discussion. 





CONTENTS 


FIRST LESSON 

The Opening Declaration by the dealer 

SECOND LESSON 

DECLARATION BY THE SECOND PLAYER 

THIRD LESSON 

Declaration by the third player . 

FOURTH LESSON 

Declaration by the fourth player 

FIFTH LESSON 

The count of an Original Trump Hand 


page 

. i 

. 16 

. 24 

. 38 

. 44 


Xlll 


XIV 


CONTENTS 


SIXTH LESSON 

The Count of an assisting Hand . 

PAGE 

• 53 

SEVENTH LESSON 

The General Declaration 

. . 61 

EIGHTH LESSON 

DOUBLING. 

. . 70 

NINTH LESSON 

Leads and Discards .... 

. . 81 

TENTH LESSON 

The play of the hands 

. . 91 


The laws of Auction bridge . 


• 99 





AUCTION BRIDGE 

IN TEN LESSONS 



FIRST LESSON 


THE OPENING DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 

For what should the Dealer look when he opens 
his hand ? 

High cards, suits headed by Aces or Kings. 


But should his hand contain no particular suit 
strength nor enough Aces or Kings to make a decla¬ 
ration ? 

Then he must declare the safety bid of “One- 
Spade,” as it is mandatory that he make some an¬ 
nouncement. 


Examples of “ One-Spade ” Hands 


¥ J 1 O 7 5 2 
♦ A 8 4 3 

JfU 6 5 

4 Q 2 


¥ K 1 O 8 2 
♦ J 9 7 
4 Q6 3 
4 8 5 4 


¥ A K 2 

♦ J 10 7 5 3 

«?• 8 7 6 

Q 8 


i 


2 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Why is the call of ‘ ‘ One-Spade ’ ’ a safety bid ? 

Because a law has been made to protect the 
Dealer should he be left in with this declaration 
and fail to fulfil his contract. His loss is limited 
to ioo points, whether doubled or not, regardless of 
the number of tricks which may be made against him. 

With what strength should a “ Two-Spade ” dec¬ 
laration be made ? 

Two Spade tricks in high cards, that is, Ace, King, 
or King, Queen, small, or Ace,Queen, Jack, and some 
outside strength, thus showing an assisting hand 
for a Royal or No-Trump declaration by the Partner. 

This declaration should be considered as infor- 
matory only, and should never be left in by the 
Partner if his hand holds the nucleus of a make, 
for the Dealer is now liable for all the tricks that 
may be made against him if he fails of his contract. 


Examples 

¥ k 1 o 8 6 

^43 
f IO 9 8 2 
A K 2 


of “Two-Spade” 

¥ 5 3 2 

+ 8 6 4 

J|U K Q 3 

4 A Q J 2 


Hands 

¥ Q 4 3 
+ K J 10 

•JL 6 5 2 

4 K Q 8 4 



OPENING DECLARATION 


3 


There are certain clubs and localities where a 
“ Two-Spade’’ declaration is made on a hand 
which holds what is known as “general protec¬ 
tion,” and is considered as an invitation to a No- 
Trump make. 

This will be found to be a dangerous practice in 
the long run, as “general protection” is a vague 
term, and to gauge the strength necessary for a 
No-Trump declaration with such indefinite infor¬ 
mation as it conveys, is extremely difficult. 

It makes it impossible for the Partner to declare 
Royals (when holding long low Spades) with any 
degree of certainty, as no sure tricks in any one suit 
are promised. 

Whereas, if a “Two-Spade” bid means two 
tricks in high Spades, the Partner holding five 
Spades to Jack or io can call a Royal with safety. 

IVith what strength should a “ One-Club ” decla¬ 
ration be made ? 

As Clubs are now a game-making declaration 
(five tricks over the book of six making game), 
a hand should have both length and strength in 
this suit to warrant its holder in declaring it. It 



4 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


should indicate a hand worth five tricks (three of 
them being in the trumps), as the Partner may 
raise the original call if his hand is not strong 
enough for a more valuable make. 

Must this suit be headed by high cards ? 

Yes; a Club should never be declared unless hold¬ 
ing the first or second trick of the suit, that is, either 
Ace or King, Queen. 


Examples of “ One-Club ” 


+ 8 3 

+ A 6 2 
JU A Q J 5 3 
4 1 O 8 2 


V K Q 5 

+ 54 

Jfm A K 1 O 4 

4 J lO 6 3 


Hands 

V 6 4 
+ 10 8 3 

K Q 8 4 3 
4 A 6 2 


Why are the high cards so important if the suit is 
protected with length to the Queen or Jack ? 

Because the Partner may change the declaration 
to one of higher value, at which the game can be 
more easily won, relying on one, or probably two 
sure tricks in the Clubs. 



OPENING DECLARATION 


5 


Such tricks are not assured if the suit is only 
Queen or Jack high, for before such a suit is estab¬ 
lished it will probably be trumped, or in the case 
of a No-Trump declaration, the strong hand will 
probably be exhausted of the Clubs and have no 
way of putting the lead into the hand with the es¬ 
tablished length. 

With great length to the Queen or Jack (that 
is, six or seven in all), the Clubs can be shown 
on the second round of bidding if it seems advis¬ 
able. 

The Partner is not deceived then, and realizes 
that the suit has length, without strength, for if it 
had held either top Honor it would have been de¬ 
clared on the first round. 


Should the Partner always change a Club declara¬ 
tion to one of higher value if he can do so ? 

Yes, unless the score is such that it requires only 
one or two Club tricks to make game, in which 
case he allows the declaration to stand, or raises it 
if necessary, playing for the sure game with this 
suit as trump. 






6 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


With what strength should a “ One-Diamond” 
declaration be made ? 

The same as with Clubs—a hand worth five 
tricks, three of them being in the trump suit, and 
the suit headed by either Ace or King, Queen. 


Examples of “ One-Diamond ” Hands 


V 8 5 3 
♦ A Q J 7 5 
A K J 4 
4 J 2 


V 1 O 2 

+ K Q 1 O 7 6 

4 A 5 

4i J 1 O 6 2 


V A K 8 2 

4 A Q 8 4 

iji 6 4 

4 8 5 3 


JT7/y are Clubs and Diamonds declared with the 
same strength ? 

Because both declarations require the same num¬ 
ber of tricks to make game (five tricks over the 
book of six) and both declarations convey the 
same information to the Partner. 

Are these two declarations an invitation to the 
Partner for a No-Trump bid? 

No, but an encouragement toward any better 
declaration which he may be able to make, and 


OPENING DECLARATION 


7 


one which would require fewer tricks to win the 
game—the ultimate object of every hand played. 

With what strength should a “One-Heart ” dec¬ 
laration be made ? 

On any good Bridge declaring hand containing 
not less than four tricks (better five), with three of 
them in the trump suit. 

This declaration implies a desire to play the hand 
with a Heart trump, and discourages rather than 
encourages a No-Trump bid by the Partner. 

Is it necessary to have the Ace or King of this 
suit ? 

Of course it makes the hand stronger to hold 
these cards, but they are not absolutely necessary 
if the hand holds outside strength. A five-card 
suit headed by Queen, Jack, io, or Six to Queen, 
Jack, may be declared if the hand holds sufficient 
outside strength to compensate for the missing Ace 
and King. 

A four-card suit may be declared only when it 
contains two or three top Honors. 



8 AUCTION BRIDGE 


Examples of “ One-Heart ” Hands 


V K Q 8 3 2 

♦ A 1 O 5 

5 3 

JS Q 9 8 


V A K Q 6 

♦ 8 5 2 

Q 8 4 3 

* 6 2 


V Q J to 6 3 
♦ A 1 O 2 
A 6 4 
A Q 8 4 


ITTZ/j what strength should a “ One-Royal ” 
laration be made ? 

The same as with Hearts—a hand worth four 
tricks (better five), with three of them in the trump 
suit. This declaration is also a discouragement to 
a No-Trump make by the Partner. 


Examples of “ One-Royal ” Hands 


♦ 

4 * 

♦ 


Q 6 2 V A 8 5 V 4 

32 4063 ♦ K 2 

K32 4* 8 4* aft Q 10 8 3 

KJ10 5 4 4 A J lO 6 3 ^ QJ 8732 





OPENING DECLARATION 


9 


Why are Royals and Hearts declared with the 
same strength ? 

Because both declarations require the same num¬ 
ber of tricks to make game (four tricks over the 
book of six), and both show the same desire to play 
the hand with the trump as bid. 

Is it ever wise to make an original bid of “two” 
tricks on a trump declaration ? 

Rarely, and then only when holding a powerful, 
long, unestablished suit without other strength. 

The hand must be worth at least six tricks, for 
the Dealer is usually left in with his bid and must 
be able to fulfil his contract with but average as¬ 
sistance from the Partner. 

Examples of Original “Two-Heart ” and “Two- 

Royal” Hands 

“ TWO-HEARTS ” " TWO-ROYALS ” 

KQJ1082 83 

♦QJ8 ♦J1084 

■JL 8 4 

^62 4KQ 10 9872 



IO 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


For what reason is this bid made ? 

Before the revision of the trick values this call 
was made for two reasons: 

First. —To show the Partner a powerful, unes¬ 
tablished suit, without entry cards, and to warn 
him against changing the bid. 

Second. —To shut out any bids in the black suits 
by the Adversaries which might enable them to 
call No-Trump if either one held command of the 
original trump bid. 

Now that the black suits have gained so much in 
value by the “New Count,” these original “ shut¬ 
out” bids are unnecessary, and should never be 
made except in Hearts and Royals, and then only 
with very exceptional hands with which a possible 
game could be won. 

Unestablished length in Clubs and Diamonds 
can be shown on the second round of bidding if 
necessary. 

With what strength should a “ One No-Trump ” 
declaration be made ? 

On any good Bridge No-Trump hand. That is— 

Four Aces always. 


OPENING DECLARATION 



Three Aces always (unless holding a strong Heart 
or Royal make) regardless of the weakness of the 
rest of the hand. 

Two Aces, with another protected suit. 

One Ace, with two other suits, King high—or 
holding a long suit that can be easily established, 
and a third suit, protected. 

The minimum strength on which a “ One No- 
Trump ” can be declared is three tricks. 

Of what must these three tricks consist ? 

Of Aces and Kings, but three suits must be pro¬ 
tected by them. 


Examples of “ One No-Trump ” Hands 


V A K 3 2 
+ K Q 6 4 
4 QJ 6 
^84 


V K J 8 3 

4 J 1 O 6 4 

4 K 2 

4 A J 5 


V tO 9 8 3 
4 A 8 2 
4 A lO 8 
4 A 8 5 


Is it essential that any particular suit be guarded ? 

No; as all suits are now game-makers, the Ad¬ 
versaries will over-call a “One No-Trump’’ bid if 
they have sufficient strength in any suit to do so. 


12 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Must a No-Trump hand contain Aces? 

Not if all four suits are well protected by high 
Honors. 


Examples of One No-Trump ” Hands without Aces 


K 8 7 
K Q 

f Q J 9 6 
4 K J 8 6 


Q J 6 3 
♦ K J 4 
4 K Q 8 
4 K lO 3 


¥ K 2 

♦ Q J 8 6 4 
4 K J lO 
4 K 8 3 


Why can a No-Trump declaration he made on a 
hand containing fewer tricks than one on which a 
Trump bid could he made? 

In the first place, because a light No-Trump 
make is seldom left in unless the Partner holds 
the supplementary cards, for with the new suit 
values he can change the bid to any of the four 
suits, and does so if his hand offers inadequate 
assistance.* 

In the second place, while the No-Trump decla¬ 
ration is not the all-powerful one it was formerly, 
it still possesses many advantages. 

* See " Declaration by the Third Player.” 


OPENING DECLARATION 


13 


It requires fewer tricks to make game (only three 
over the book of six being necessary). 

It forces the Adversaries to a two-trick call. 

And, above all, if the contract is not fulfilled the 
loss is no greater than it would have been with an 
equally unsuccessful suit call (50 points above the 
line in either case). 

Then is it advisable to bid 11 One No- Trump ’ ’ at 
once whenever the strength of the hand justifies it? 

Yes; unless the hand contains strong Hearts or 
Royals and weakness in some other suits, then it 
is wiser to declare either the Heart or the Royal and 
play for the safer game. 

The old Bridge saying, “A sure Heart is better 
than a doubtful No-Trump,” holds good for Auction 
as well. 

Does the state of the score affect the declaration? 

At the Rubber game, with the score in favor of 
the Adversaries, the Player will sometimes bid on 
a weaker hand than he otherwise would. 

He wishes to show any strength which his hand 





14 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


may hold, in the hope that he and his Partner will 
arrive at an ultimate declaration and so become 
the Players if possible. 

The Partner, however, must be able to recognize 
the situation, and should be cautious about sup¬ 
porting such a declaration without adequate as¬ 
sistance. 

What inferences then should be drawn from the 
Opening Declaration ? 

First. —That a “One-Spade” declaration may 
mean a worthless hand, or may mean an assisting 
one, without sufficient strength in any suit to 
declare it or enough general protection for a No- 
Trump. 

Second. —That a “Two-Spade” declaration in¬ 
dicates a hand which does not contain sufficient 
length and strength in Spades for a Royal, nor 
enough general strength for a No-Trump, but 
offers acceptable support for either declaration by 
the Partner. 

Third. —That a “One-Club” or a “One-Dia¬ 
mond” declaration shows a suit headed by either 
Ace or King. 


OPENING DECLARATION 




A willingness to play it as the trump, and an 
encouragement to the Partner to declare any make 
of higher value. 

Fourth .—That a “One-Heart” or a “One- 
Royal” declaration shows a desire by the Dealer 
to play the suit, as trump, and discourages a No- 
Trump bid by the Partner. 

Fifth .—That a “One No-Trump” declaration 
shows protection in three or four suits. 

A hand worth three tricks at least, in Aces and 
Kings. 



SECOND LESSON 


DECLARATION BY THE SECOND PLAYER 

If the Dealer has declared “One-Spade,” what 
should govern the Second Player's declaration ? 

The same rules which apply to the Dealer’s orig¬ 
inal declaration. 

The Second Player, however, has the advantage 
over the Dealer in being allowed to pass, in case his 
hand does not justify a sound declaration, and he 
should do so with a doubtful hand. 

If the Dealer has declared * ‘ Two-Spades ’ ’ ? 

The Second Player should over-call with any good 
suit he may hold,* not only to show a willingness 
to play it as the trump, but to indicate the suit he 
wishes to be led to him in case the Third Player 
wins the make with a No-Trump declaration. 

* See "The Opening Declaration by the Dealer.” 

16 


DECLARATION BY SECOND PLAYER 17 


If the suit is a very strong one and the hand 
worth six tricks, an unnecessarily high bid of 
“two” is sometimes a clever one as it shuts out 
a “One No-Trump” call by Third Player. 

If the Dealer has declared “ One-Club ” or “ One- 
Diamond ’ ’ ? 

The Second Player should bid “ One No-Trump ” 
if he holds a guarded Honor in the suit declared 
and has strength in two other suits, but if his No- 
Trump is a light one it is much wiser to pass and 
await further bidding. 

Should he, however, hold a good suit, it is better 
to announce it at once, hoping with average help 
from his Partner to make his contract or to defeat 
the opponents if they increase theirs. 

If the Dealer has declared “One-Heart” or “One¬ 
'lloyal ’ ’ ? 

Then the state of the adverse score governs the 
Second Player’s announcement materially. 

The declaration shows a desire to play the suit as 
trump, and if the Adversaries are apt to win the 
game at either bid, every effort should be made to 




i8 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


thwart them, and the Second Player should bid his 
hand to its limit. 

Should a light “No-Trump" be declared in this 
position ? 

Yes, if holding protection in the Adversary’s call, 
but never without it. 

Why is it dangerous to declare “ One No-Trump ” 
without protection in the Opponent's suit if the rest 
of the hand should justify it ? 

The danger of such a bid lies in the fact that the 
Partner takes for granted the protection in the Ad¬ 
versary’s suit and (on that assumption) will raise 
the bid, if necessary, to “Two No-Trump” on an 
average supporting hand. 

Without this necessary protection in either hand, 
loss is sure to follow. 

‘But if the Second Player holds a hand well pro¬ 
tected in three suits, but with insufficient length to 
declare any of them , his only weakness being in 
the Dealer's call, how is he to show this strength to 
his Partner ? 


DECLARATION BY SECOND PLAYER 19 


A convention now in use covers this situation. 

An unusually high call in Spades, i.e ., “Three- 
Spades” over a “One-Club” or “Four-Spades” 
over a “One-Heart” call, indicates a strong No- 
Trump hand without protection in the Adversary’s 
trump announcement. The Partner should not 
hesitate to call “One No-Trump” if holding that 
protection, even if his hand contains little else of 
value. 


I 

Examples of High “ Spade ” Hands 


** FOUR-SPADES ” 
OVER DEALER’S 
“ ONE-HEART” 

V 8 6 4 
+ A K 5 
A Q J 

4ft K Q 8 3 


“FOUR-SPADES ” 
OVER DEALER’S 
“ONE-DIAMOND ” 

A 5 4 2 
4 6 5 

f KQJ 
4ft A Q J 4 


“THREE-SPADES ” 
OVER DEALER’S 
“ ONE-CLUB ” 

V K Q 6 3 
4 A 8 5 4 

•If. 5 3 

4ft A K 5 


But if the Fourth Player does not hold the protec¬ 
tion in the Adversary's suit, should he leave his 
Partner in with the high Spade call ? 


No, he should change to the longest suit he may 
hold regardless of its weakness. 



20 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


He can depend on the strength of his Partner’s 
hand to supplement his length in the trumps, and 
with the high cards of the other two suits there is 
little danger of his not fulfilling his contract. 

If the Dealer has declared “One No-Trump” ? 

This declaration often places the Second Player 
in an awkward position, for he very frequently 
holds a hand on which he would make the same 
announcement, but unless he holds a very strong 
hand he would better pass, hoping to defeat the 
contract or at least to save the game. 

Is it ever wise to over-call a “One No-Trump” 
with a bid of “Two No-Trump ”? 

Very seldom, and then only on the Rubber game, 
when, if the contract is fulfilled, the Rubber is se¬ 
cured; otherwise it is poor policy to incur the re¬ 
sponsibility of taking eight tricks against a hand 
strong enough to have made the declaration (“ One 
No-Trump”) originally. 

Should a good trump hand be declared over a 
“One No-Trump” bid by Dealer? 




DECLARATION BY SECOND PLAYER 21 


Yes, if the suit is headed by Ace or King and if, 
with average assistance from Partner, the game is 
likely to be won. 

It is a very doubtful policy, however, to declare 
“Two-Clubs” or “Two-Diamonds” at a love 
score, for it requires so many tricks in either of 
these suits to make game that the better plan is to 
pass and use the valuable position of Leader to de¬ 
feat the No-Trump. 


Examples of Trump Hands Strong Enough to Over 
bid a “ One No-Trump” Declaration 


“ TWO-HEARTS ” 

V A K IO 6 4 

♦ Q 3 2 

f 5 4 

4 K 3 2 


“ TWO-ROYALS ” 

V Q 5 3 

^842 
4 A 3 

4 K Q J 6 5 


Examples of Hands on Which It Is Better to Pass, 
and Defeat the “ One No-Trump ” Declaration 

at a Love Score 


¥864 
♦ A K Q 8 5 3 

4* IO 4 

A 4 2 


¥53 
4 6 4 

4* A Q J 9 6 3 

4 A 5 2 



22 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Should moderate trump strength be declared over 
a “One No-Trump ” bid by Dealer? 

Only on the Rubber game, for this declaration is 
always a forced one (calling for a two-trick bid), 
and unless the Partner holds more than average 
strength the contract is very likely to be defeated. 

The usual object of such a call, with many 
players, is to force the Adversary to a “Two No- 
Trump” bid, but such practice is both dangerous 
and futile. 

In the first place, the declaration may be doubled; 
and in the secondj if the opponents raise their 
No-Trump bid the hand does not hold the cards to 
defeat them. 

What is a “forced declaration''' ? 

One which, owing to a previous declaration, is 
higher than it would have been had it been made 
originally. 

A bid of “ Two-Diamonds ’ ’ over a ‘* One-Heart ’' 
call is a forced declaration, as the Player is forced 
to a two-trick contract to over-bid the Heart. 

All trump makes over a “One No-Trump” bid 
are of themselves forced calls. 



DECLARATION BY SECOND PLAYER 23 


What inferences should be drawn from the Second 
Player’s declarations ? 

First. —That when he makes a suit bid over a 
“Two-Spade” declaration it indicates a desire to 
have that suit led to him should a No-Trump be 
played by Third Player. 

Second. —That when he declares “One No- 
Trump” over any trump announcement, it shows 
protection in that suit. 

Third. —That when he makes a suit declaration 
over a “One No-Trump” call, it shows a suit 
headed by either Ace or King, and a hand strong 
enough to make the winning of the game possible 
or to defeat the Adversary should he increase his 
bid. 


THIRD LESSON 


DECLARATION BY THE THIRD PLAYER 

If the ‘Dealer has declared “One-Spade” and the 
Second Player has passed, what should gcrvern the 
Third Player in making his declaration ? 

He should try to change the make, but should 
feel under no obligation to do so with a poor 
hand. 

With any sound declaration he should always 
over-bid, for while his Partner’s hand may not be 
an attacking one, it may be an assisting one. 

Should a light No-Trump he declared in this 
position ? 

No; with declared weakness in the first two 
hands, strength must lie beyond in the fourth 
hand and a strong No-Trump is necessary—a 
hand worth at least five tricks. 


24 


DECLARATION BY THIRD PLAYER 25 


It is far safer when the hand is only moder¬ 
ately strong to show a good suit to direct the lead 
in case the Fourth Player wins the declaration with 
“One No-Trump.” 

If the Dealer has declared “Two-Spades” and 
the Second Player has passed ? 

Then the Third Player should make a declaration 
if possible. 

The Dealer has taken himself out of the 
safety bid of “One-Spade” and is liable for every 
trick made against him should he be left in with 
his make. He also shows an assisting hand. 

How strong a hand is required in this position to 
make a declaration ? 

The original declaration has shown two tricks in 
Spades and some outside help as well, so, with 
strength in one suit and a protected Honor in 
another, “One No-Trump” should be called, but 
holding considerable length in the Spade suit, a 
“One-Royal” call would be safer, with a better 
chance for game. 



26 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Examples 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
“ONE NO-TRUMP” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
“TWO-SPADES ” 

V 9 5 4 

+ A K 4 3 

«$• K J 8 5 

4 108 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
“ONE-ROYAL ” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
“ TWO-SPADES ” 

V 9 5 

♦ Q 9 6 

4 A Q 2 

J 1 O 8 4 3 


If the Dealer has declared “ One-Club ” or “ One- 
c Diamond ” and the Second Player has passed ? 

Then the Third Player should change the bid (if 
he can do so) to one of a higher value, taking fewer 
tricks to win the game—relying on the Dealer for 
sure tricks in the suit he has called. 

With strength in two of the other suits, “One 
No-Trump” should be declared, but, holding only 
a fair hand, with some assistance in the trumps, 
the original announcement should be allowed to 
stand, particularly at a score of 18 or over. 




DECLARATION BY THIRD PLAYER 27 


Examples 


THIRD PLAYER’S THIRD PLAYER 

“ ONE NO-TRUMP ” BID PASSES 

OVER DEALER’S DEALER’S 

“ONE-DIAMOND” “ONE-DIAMOND” 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
“ONE-ROYAL” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
“ ONE-CLUB ” 


V K Q 5 
+ 8 3 2 

f AQ43 
+ QIO 6 


V Q J 4 
♦ Q 5 3 
+ 986 

+ A 1 O 3 2 


V 1 O 5 4 
♦ J 4 
+ Q 8 

+ A K 1 O 4 3 2 


If the dealer has declared “One-Heart” or “ One- 
Royal ’ ’ and the Second Player has passed ? 

The Third Player should rarely change the dec¬ 
laration. 

This declaration is one which discourages rather 
than encourages a No-Trump bid by the Partner. 

Any over-bid indicates but one, or none, in the 
original suit and great strength in the suit bid. 

In the case of an over-bid of “ One No-Trump,” 
three strong, outside suits are indicated, or a hand 
holding four Aces. 




28 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Why is a “ One-Heart” or “ One-Royal” decla¬ 
ration a discouragement to the Partner to bid “ No- 
Trump * ’ ? 

Because it takes but one more trick to make 
game with Hearts or Royals than with No-Trumps, 
and if the Partner holds some assistance in the 
Hearts or Royals, and some outside strength, the 
game is assured ; whereas, at No-Trump a finesse 
may go wrong, or an Honor be played through, and 
thus a whole suit be brought in against the make. 


Examples 


THIRD PLAYER 
PASSES 
DEALER'S 
“ONE-HEART ” 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
“ ONE NO-TRUMP ” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
" ONE-HEART ” 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
“TWO-DIAMOND’’ BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
“ONE-ROYAL ” 


V J 3 2 
♦ K Q J 4 
4 1 A 3 2 
A K lO 8 


V 6 

♦ A J 4 

if. Q J lO 5 3 

A K Q 8 6 


V K 4 2 

♦ A K Q 8 4 2 

A 10 9 4 3 

A - 


If the dealer has declared 11 One No-Trump” and 
Second Player has passed ? 

The Third Player allows the declaration to stand, 
with a hand which will give general assistance, 




DECLARATION BY THIRD PLAYER 29 


but with a very strong Heart, or Royal suit, he 
should always declare it, leaving it to his Partner’s 
judgment to increase his own No-Trump contract, 
or to leave the suit make in, as a safer attempt at 
game. 


Examples 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
“TWO-HEART” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
“ONE NO-TRUMP” 

v A K Q 8 4 3 

4 8 5 3 

K 2 

* 4 2 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
“ TWO-ROYAL” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
“ONE NO-TRUMP” 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
“TWO-HEART ” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
“ONE NO-TRUMP” 


*6 * A Q J 8 5 2 

+ 953 4 1° 8 3 

f Q8 4 2 K 5 4 

4ft KQJ1Q6 ^ 7 


But if the Third Player holds a hand which offers 
little or no assistance to the ^Dealer's “One No- 
Trump” declaration? 

Then he should over-bid with any suit which he 
may hold containing five cards, even to the Jack 
or 10, not with any hope of making a good score, 
but as the best chance of escaping loss. 

This warns the Dealer that the hand offers no 
assistance except in the suit named and is void 
of entries as well. 




30 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
“ TWO-HEART ” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
"ONE NO-TRUMP” 

V 10 8 7 4 3 
+ 8 5 2 

98 

A J 102 


Examples 

THIRD PLAYER’S 
‘‘TWO-CLUB ” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
‘‘ONE NO-TRUMP” 

V Q 1 O 5 
+ 8 6 4 

A Q J 8 3 2 

A 6 4 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
“ TWO-DIAMOND ” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
‘‘ONE NO-TRUMP” 

V 8 5 4 
+ J 1 O 4 3 2 

+ - 

A 8 7 6 5 2 


Is it not dangerous to make a two-trick contract 
on so weak a hand ? 

Not so dangerous as leaving in a “One No- 
Trump’ ' make that may be a light one. 

The No-Trump declaration by the Dealer is such 
a desirable one, that it is often made on the mini¬ 
mum strength (three tricks), relying on average 
assistance from the Partner. 

Not holding this assistance, it is much safer for 
the Third Player to indicate his weakness by de¬ 
claring any suit of which he has moderate length 
provided it contains five cards. 

The final declaration is then left with the Dealer, 
whether to accept or to ignore this warning. 




DECLARATION BY THIRD PLAYER 31 


If the Third Player’s hand is a worthless one and 
holds no five-card suit ? 

Then he must pass, for an increase of contract 
on such a hand is plainly impossible. 


Hands with Which an Original “ No-Trump ” 
Should Be Passed by Third Player 



Q 1 O 

4 

3 


10 

♦ 

8 6 

5 

2 

♦ 

K 

* 

J 8 

3 



8 

A 

Q 4 



A 

7 


4 

3 


9 

6 

4 

8 

4 2 

♦ 

8 

5 

2 

3 

2 

♦ 

Q 

8 

4 3 

6 

5 

* 

1 O 4 

2 


If the *1Dealer has made a ‘ ‘ One-Club ” or a “ One- 
Diamond ’ ’ declaration and has been over-called by 
the Second Player, what governs the Third Player’s 
bidding? 

The strength of his hand and the protection he 
holds in the suit named by the Second Player. 

If, holding a well-guarded Honor in that suit 
and strength in another, he should not hesitate to 
make a “One No-Trump” announcement, relying 
on his Partner to take care of his own suit. 


32 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


If his hand offers no protection in the Adversary’s 
make, but holds two tricks, and at least two cards 
of his Partner’s suit, he should raise the bid, and 
continue to do so, with each additional trick his 
hand may hold.* 

If the Dealer has made a ‘ ‘ One-Heart ” or a “ One- 
Royal ’ ’ declaration and has been over-called by the 
Second Player ? 

Then the Third Player should raise the original 
bid if he holds the requisite strength. 

Any change he may make indicates that his hand 
holds but one, or none, of his Partner’s suit and 
also great strength in the suit to which he has 
changed. 

How would the state of the score affect such a decla¬ 
ration ? 

With a love score on the first game and the 
Dealer’s “ One-Royal ” having been over-called by 
“Two-Clubs,” the Third Player, holding consider¬ 
able Club strength, should hesitate before raising 
the “ One-Royal ” make (unless with so strong an 


• See lesson on *‘ The Count of an Assisting Hand.” 


DECLARATION BY THIRD PLAYER 33 


assisting hand that there is a good chance of making 
game). 

It is very unlikely that the Opponents will win the 
game on their Club declaration, and there is a pos¬ 
sibility of defeating them; but, let the score be in 
favor of the Opponents, and their contract, if ful¬ 
filled, mean game—then the Third Player should 
bid his hand to its capacity. 

If the c Dealer has made a ‘ ‘ One No- Trump ’ ’ decla¬ 
ration and has been over-called by the Second Player ? 

The Third Player should count his hand very 
carefully before raising this call. 

Protection in the suit named by the Second Player, 
and another suit of considerable strength, are abso¬ 
lutely necessary to increase this No-Trump call, 
for, to repeat again, original No-Trumps are often 
very lightly made. 

What is sufficient protection in the Adversary's 
suit ? 

An Ace or King, with one or two small ones, or 
Queen, with three or four, if the over-call has been 


34 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


made by the Second Player, but strength in another 
suit as well must be held to justify a “Two No- 
Trump” call. 


Example 

THIRD PLAYER’S 
“TWO NO-TRUMP” BID 
OVER SECOND PI AYER’S 
“TWO-HEART” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
"ONE NO-TRUMP” 

¥ K to 2 

♦ A Q 4 3 

A J lO 8 6 

4 Q 2 


How is the Third Player to indicate a strong sup¬ 
porting hand without Protection in the Adversary’s 
suit ? 

By bidding two tricks in his most valuable suit. 

This shows his Partner an assisting hand and the 
absence of protection in the adverse call. 

This declaration should not be confused with the 
protective suit call made by the Third Player when 
his hand offers no assistance to the Dealer’s “ No- 
Trump.” 




DECLARATION BY THIRD PLAYER 35 


In the first instance, the Second Player has 
passed, and the responsibility of taking his Partner 
out of a losing make is left to the Third Player. 

In the second instance, the Second Player has 
over-bid the Dealer’s “No-Trump,” and there is 
no obligation for the Third Player to make any 
announcement unless he holds a strong hand and 
can assist his Partner toward a game-making dec¬ 
laration. 


Examples 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
"TWO-HEART” BID 
OVER SECOND PLAYER’S 
“TWO-DIAMOND” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
“ONE NO-TRUMP” 

V A K 6 4 

4 6 4 

+ K J IO 5 

+ Q 5 3 


THIRD PLAYER’S 
“TWO-DIAMOND ” BID 
OVER SECOND PLAYER’S 
“ TWO-CLUB ” BID 
OVER DEALER’S 
“ONE NO-TRUMP ” 

^ A 5 4 3 
+ K Q IO 4 2 
+ 54 

+ 82 


What inferences should he drawn from the Third 
Player’s declaration ? 

First .—That when he over-calls the Dealer’s 
“One-Spade” bid with a “One No-Trump” it 
means a strong Bridge No-Trump hand. 


36 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Second .—That when he over-calls the Dealer’s 
“Two-Spade” bid with a “One No-Trump” 
call it shows protection in two other suits. 

Third .—That when he allows a “One-Club” 
or a “One-Diamond” make by Dealer to stand 
it indicates that his hand offers no higher declara¬ 
tion, otherwise he would change to one which re¬ 
quires fewer tricks to win the game. 

Fourth .—That when he over-calls the Dealer’s 
“One-Heart” or “One-Royal” bid it is an indi¬ 
cation of weakness in the suit declared and also 
great strength in the suit in which he has over¬ 
called. 

Fifth .—That when he over-calls the Dealer’s 
“One No-Trump” bid it indicates that he can 
give no assistance except in the suit named. 

Sixth .—That when he raises the Dealer’s suit 
declaration, after an over-bid by the Second Player, 
it shows a hand worth two tricks at least. 

Seventh .—That when he increases the Dealer’s 
“One No-Trump” declaration, after an over-bid 
by the Second Player, it shows protection in the 
Adversary’s call and strength in one other suit at 
least. 


DECLARATION BY THIRD PLAYER 37 


Eighth .—That when he changes the Dealer’s 
“One No-Trump” declaration, after an over-bid 
by the Second Player, it shows an assisting hand 
without protection in the Adversary’s suit. 


FOURTH LESSON 


DECLARATION BY THE FOURTH PLAYER 

If the ^Dealer has declared ‘ ‘ One-Spade ’ ’ and the 
Second and Third Players have passed, what should 
guide the Fourth Player's declaration ? 

The game-making capacity of his hand. 

If he holds a hand with which he thinks there is 
a fair chance of winning the game he should make 
a declaration, otherwise he should pass, and leave 
the Dealer in, with his “One-Spade” announce¬ 
ment. 

By so doing he will probably defeat the “ One- 
Spade” contract and thus add 50 or 100 points to 
his Honor column. 

This is of far more importance than the value of 
one or two tricks below the line. 

This position is particularly advantageous if the 
hand holds long, low or short, high Spades not 

38 


DECLARATION BY FOURTH PLAYER 39 


strong enough to declare a Royal, but valuable 
against a “One-Spade” declaration. 

Why does not the Fourth Player double when hold¬ 
ing such cards ? 

Because he would gain nothing toward his score 
by so doing, as the Dealer cannot lose but 100 points 
if left in with his “One-Spade” bid whether 
doubled or not. 

Then again it re-opens the bidding and gives the 
Dealer or his Partner a chance to change the decla¬ 
ration. 

If the Dealer has declared ‘ ‘ One-Spade ’ ’ and the 
Second Player has made a one-trick call and the 
Third Player has passed ? 

Then the Fourth Player’s situation is changed 
materially. 

He can rely on his Partner for valuable assistance 
in the suit he has called or the ability to play the 
trump he has bid. 

The Fourth Player is now enabled to estimate the 
value of his hand as a game-winner, and can declare 
accordingly. 




40 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


When the Dealer has declared * ‘ Two-Spades 9 ’ and 
the Second and Third Players have passed ? 

It is very poor policy to take the Dealer out of 
this declaration, unless with a very powerful hand, 
on the Rubber game, for he made himself liable for 
every trick that may be made against him when he 
left the safety zone of “ One-Spade.” 

His Partner has shown a very weak hand by 
leaving him in with such a bid, consequently the 
chances are good that he will fail of his contract 
as he has shown only an assisting and not an at¬ 
tacking hand. 

When the Dealer has declared (< One No-Trump ” 
and the Second and Third Players have passed? 

Then the Fourth Player, with any five-card suit, 
which*can be cleared on the first round, such as 
Ace, Queen, Jack, and two small ones, or Ace, Jack, 
io, and two small ones, with an outside Ace, 
should always over-call, to direct the lead of the 
Partner should the Dealer win the declaration with 
his No-Trump bid. 

By such a lead his suit is cleared before the entry 
card is taken out, and the game probably saved. 



DECLARATION BY FOURTH PLAYER 41 


If the Dealer has declared “One No-trumh ” and 
the Second Player has over-called with * ‘ two ’ ’ in 
any suit, and the Third Player has increased with 
‘ ‘ Two No- Trumps ’ ’ ? 

The Fourth Player should be very cautious about 
raising his Partner’s bid. 

A contract of “three” or “four” tricks is an 
almost impossible achievement against two No- 
Trump hands, and such a raise should never be 
made unless to the score. 

For example: The score is 0-0, second game 
(first game won by Fourth Player and his Part¬ 
ner). 

The Dealer has bid “One No-Trump.” 

Second Player, “Two-Hearts.” 

Third Player, “Two No-Trumps.” 

The Fourth Player should hesitate about raising 
the Heart bid to “three,” even holding three 
tricks (which number is necessary to raise a forced 
bid such as the “Two-Heart” call). 

The Adversaries surely hold a guarded Honor 
in Hearts with the outside strength of two No- 
Trump hands as well, and it would be better to 
try and save the game rather than to run the risk 



42 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


of a defeated contract with no chance of making 
game on the Heart call. 

If the score is 0-12 in favor of the Opponents 
on the Rubber game, and the bidding the same, 
the Fourth Player should increase his Partner’s 
Heart declaration, with fair assistance, for if the 
Adversaries make their contract it means Game and 
Rubber, and it is better to suffer the loss of one 
trick than to lose all chance of winning the Rub¬ 
ber eventually. 


What inferences should he drawn from the Fourth 
Player’s declaration? 

First. —That any declaration he may make over 
the Dealer’s “ One” or “Two” Spades, which has 
been passed by the other two Players, indicates a 
game-winning hand, otherwise he would have left 
him in with his make. 

Second. —That when he declares two tricks in any 
suit over the Dealer’s “One No-Trump,” it indi¬ 
cates his desire to have that suit led to him should 
the Opponents increase their “ No-Trump ” bid and 
thus win the make. 


DECLARATION BY FOURTH PLAYER 43 


Third .—That when he increases his Partner’s 
forced bid it shows at least three tricks in his 
hand.* 


•See lesson on “ The Count of an Assisting Hand.” 


FIFTH LESSON 


THE COUNT OF AN ORIGINAL TRUMP HAND 

If the Player wishes to make a trump declaration, 
by what method can he best estimate the number of 
tricks in his hand? 

By taking as the basis for calculation that the 
cards of the different suits, which the declaring 
hand does not hold, are evenly divided between the 
other three hands—consequently, with length and 
high cards of a suit, there is every probability that 
he will lose but few tricks in clearing it. On this 
assumption, the Player holding a trump declaration 
may safely make it, as he will probably be able to 
exhaust the Adversary’s trumps and then establish 
and bring in any side suits he may hold. 

In what order should the hand be counted? 

First, the trumps should be valued. Each Ace, 
King, or Queen, which the Player does not hold, 
should be counted out as a lost trick. 


44 


COUNT OF AN ORIGINAL TRUMP HAND 45 


If the suit holds seven cards, headed by Ace and 
King, the adverse Queen need not be counted out, 
for it is a fair deduction that the leads of Ace and 
King will exhaust the Adversaries of that suit, thus 
making every card in the trumps a winning one. 

Is the Jack ever counted out as a losing card? 

Yes, the adverse Jack should be counted out as 
a losing card unless the suit is headed by the Ace 
and King. If the suit is of great length, i. e. y seven 
or more, to the King and Queen, it can probably be 
established in two rounds and the Jack then need 
not be taken into consideration. 

If the trumps include four Honors, an extra trick 
can be added to the value of the hand on account 
of their worth in the Honor column. 




46 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Examples of Counting Trumps 




TRUMPS 



WINNING 

CARDS 

LOSING 

CARDS 

A 

K 

8 

5 

4 

3 

2 . . 

. 7 

O 



A 

K 

6 

4 

3 

2 . 


. 5 

1 

Q 


A 

K 

Q 

J 

2. 



. 6 * 

O 



A 

K 

1 O 

5 

3. 



. 4 

1 

Q 


A 

Q 

J 

8 

5 

2 . 


. 5 

1 

K 


A 

Q 

6 

5 

3. 



. 3 

2 

K 

j 

K 

Q 

9 

5 

4 

3 

2. . . 

. 6 

1 

A 


K 

Q 

8 

6 

5 

4 . 


. 4 

2 

A 

j 

K 

J 

1 O 

6 

4. 



. 3 

2 

A 

Q 

Q 

J 

8 

5 

3 

2 . 


. 4 

2 

A 

K 

Q 

J 

1 O 

3 

2 . 



. 3 

2 

A . 

K 


Are the side suits in a 

'Trump hand counted 

in the 


same way ? 

Yes, with the exception of the added value (of 
one trick) for the four Honors. 

Can a missing suit or a singleton be counted as 
adding strength to a declaring hand ? 

Emphatically No. 

It must always be remembered that a singleton or 
a missing suit, which is such an element of strength 


* Add one trick for four Honors 
















COUNT OF AN ORIGINAL TRUMP HAND 47 


in an assisting hand, is a menace in a declaring 
one (unless the trump suit is of great length), as 
there is always danger in having the strong hand 
forced to trump. 

This often leaves an insufficient number to ex¬ 
haust the Adversaries’ trumps and a possibility of 
the last trump being left with them, thus enabling 
them to bring in their long suit instead of the Player 
making his . 

For this reason missing suits and singletons 
should be counted as elements of weakness rather 
than of strength when estimating the value of an 
original trump hand. 

If the Player has made a Trump declaration 
and has been crver-called by the Opponents, how 
strong a hand should he hold to warrant an increase 
of his own suit ? 

If the over-call has been made on the Player’s 
left and the Partner has passed, his hand can be 
credited with but one trick only,* so that any in¬ 
crease of the original make would be extremely 
dangerous with a hand holding less than six tricks. 


* See lesson on “ The Count of an Assisting Hand.” 




48 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


To justify a second raise, eight tricks must be 
held. 


Examples of Counting a Trump Hand 


HEARTS DECLARED 

TRICKS 


¥ A 
♦ 8 

JJU A 

4 lO 


K Q 6 4 

3. 

10 3 2 . ... 

5 . 


WON 

LOST 

5 

O 

O 

2 

1 

3 

O 

2 

6 

7 


A hand which justifies a raise to “two” if nec¬ 
essary, counting on one trick from Partner. 


¥ 

♦ 

4 * 

4 


K 

A 

8 

4 


Q J 1 O 4 

Q J. 

6 4 3 . . . 


TRICKS 


WON 

LOST 

5 

1 

2 

1 

O 

4 

O 

1 

7 

7 


An extra trick is counted for four Honors, in 
trumps. 
















COUNT OF AN ORIGINAL TRUMP HAND 49 


♦ 

+ 

A 


A 

8 

A 

3 


K Q 5 3 2 


Q J IO 5 


TRICKS 


WON 

LOST 

6 

O 

• P 

1 

. 4 

1 

it 


0 

1 

10 

3 


A hand which can be raised to a bid of “ four.” 


♦ 

A 


Q 

A 

5 

Q 


J IO 4 3 2 

K. 

4 . 

J 5. 


TRICKS 


WON 

LOST 

. 4 

2 

. 2 

O 

. O 

2 

1 

2 

7 

6 


A hand which can be raised to “two” or to 
“three” if supported by Partner. 

Is it wise to always bid exactly according to the 
value of a hand ? 

Usually, but there are times when it is better 
policy to over-bid the trick-taking capacity of a 
hand by one trick. 


















50 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


It is rarely advisable, however, to go further than 
this, for even with the most accurate counting of a 
hand, an unequal distribution of a suit may enable 
the Adversaries to establish a cross-ruff, and many . 
more tricks thereby lost, than it is possible to calcu¬ 
late upon. 


What should govern this over-bidding of a hand? 

The state of the score entirely. 

If the Adversaries have won one game and their 
declaration seems likely to win the Rubber, it is 
good policy to over-bid the hand one trick, and the 
possible loss of 50 or 100 points should be cheer¬ 
fully accepted rather than to allow the Opponents 
to win the game. 

The habit of over-bidding a hand, however, can¬ 
not be too strongly condemned. 

The greatest danger lies in the false informa¬ 
tion conveyed to the Partner, who, relying on the 
soundness of the original make, will support it to 
the capacity of his hand. 

Heavier losses can be charged to this practice 
than to any other. 





COUNT OF AN ORIGINAL TRUMP HAND 51 


If these rules are followed, will they insure against 
losses due to incorrect bidding ? 

Not always, for unusual distributions of the 
cards cannot be calculated upon, and a hand will at 
times fall short by several tricks of its estimated 
value, and again may exceed it, owing to the loca¬ 
tion of the Adversaries’ high cards. 

If this system of counting is followed persist¬ 
ently, however, the Player will be rewarded by 
incurring fewer losses than if he bids only upon 
the good looks of his hand. 


Then in estimating the value of a Trump hand, 
what order of counting should the Player follow ? 

First. —The number of winning cards in his 
trump suit. 

Second .—He should add these to the winning 
cards in the plain suits. 

Third. —Then add one from the Partner’s hand, 
if he has not raised the original declaration, and 
two, if he has.* 


* See lesson on “ The Count of an Assisting Hand.’ 


52 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Fourth .—On the Rubber game he should over¬ 
bid the hand by one point if the Adversaries are 
likely to make game on their declaration, but should 
go no further than this. 



SIXTH LESSON 


THE COUNT OF AN ASSISTING HAND 

If a Player has made a Trump declaration and 
has been over-called by the Opponent, what should 
guide his Partner in raising his bid ? 

The number of tricks in his hand. 

The Player when making his original declaration 
has counted upon one trick in his Partner’s hand, 
as it is a very unusual distribution of the cards 
which will render a hand trickless, consequently 
a hand must be worth two tricks to justify a raise 
by the Partner, and he can re-raise on each addi¬ 
tional trick his hand may hold. 

Of what must these tricks consist? 

Aces and Kings. The Queen of trumps even 
once guarded is considered a trick-taker, but all 
other Queens and Jacks must not be counted upon 
in this capacity. 

When void of a suit (and holding two or three 

53 


54 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


small trumps) two tricks may safely be counted 
upon by ruffing, and a singleton (with two or more 
trumps) can be counted as worth one trick. 

A singleton Ace is worth two tricks, one in it¬ 
self, and one by ruffing the second lead of the suit 
to which it belongs. 

Is it advisable to raise with four or five trumps 
without some outside strength ? 

To increase with trump length alone is usually 
dangerous as the trumps in the two hands are apt 
to fall together. 

When this occurs the strength of the hand is 
exhausted. 

The Ace, King, and Queen are counted as tricks 
(the two latter being sufficiently guarded), but 
other trumps than these cannot be valued in that 
capacity. 

If the hand contains a singleton or is void of a 
suit, low trumps are useful for ruffing, but then the 
raising capacity of the hand lies in its ability to 
ruff and not in the number of trumps it holds. 

Then trumps are not necessary if the hand holds 
the requisite two tricks in the side suits ? 



THE COUNT OF AN ASSISTING HAND 55 


Two trumps are absolutely necessary for a safe 
raise, and unless holding them (even with two out¬ 
side tricks) the Partner should pass. 

The usual holding of trumps for an original dec¬ 
laration is five, and unless the Partner holds two 
the Adversaries have the majority—a very danger¬ 
ous distribution even with strong side cards. 

If the Player raises his own declaration on the 
second round of bidding, then the Partner even with 
a singleton trump, is justified in supporting him 
holding strength in the outside suits, for the Player 
has shown a very strong hand, with a probable 
holding of six trumps. 

Examples of Counting an Assisting Trump Hand 
ROYALS DECLARED 

TRICKS 


V Q 10 5 3. O 

4 K J 5. 1 

A 8 2. 1 

4 J 6 3. O 

2 


This hand can raise once, as it is worth two tricks, 
but can go no further. 










56 AUCTION BRIDGE 

TRICKS 

¥ 8 7 6 3 2. O 

+ A K 4. 2 

•Ii A. 2 

A 8 7 3 2 .... . O 

4 

This hand can raise three times as it is worth 
four tricks. 

TRICKS 

¥ Q J 8 4. O 

♦ J 9 4. O 

A lO 2 . o 

4 Q 8 3 2. 1 

1 

This hand must pass as it holds but one trick, 
which the Partner has already counted upon. 

TRICKS 

¥ Q 6 5 4. o 

♦ A 5 4 2. 1 

4».. 2 

A J 8 5 3 2. O 

3 

This hand can raise twice, holding three tricks. 





















THE COUNT OF AN ASSISTING HAND 57 


Does the state oj the score influence the bidding of 
an assisting hand ? 

No, for the duty of an assisting hand is to give 
an honest, accurate accounting of the tricks it holds 
with which to help the Partner’s original declara¬ 
tion, leaving it to the Partner’s judgment to over 
or under-bid his own hand. 

The assisting hand should be most careful in dis¬ 
tinguishing between a free and a forced call by the 
Partner. 

He should credit a forced call with no greater 
strength than would warrant an original one- 
trick bid, consequently he should never raise it un¬ 
less holding three sure tricks —tricks, too, in suits 
that have not been shown on a previous call. 

Example of Raising a “ Forced Call ” 

Dealer bids “One-Heart.” Second Player, 

*‘ Two-Diamonds. ’ ’ Third Player, ‘ * Two-Hearts. ’ ’ 
The Fourth Player must credit his Partner with no 
greater strength than if he had made an original 
“One-Diamond” call (he being forced to call 
“ Two-Diamonds ” to show the suit at all), and if 
he raises this forced bid it must be with a hand 



AUCTION BRIDGE 


53 


worth three tricks , for he is practically raising a 
one-trick call to three tricks. 

What is the exact meaning of “tricks that have 
not been shown on a previous call * ’ ? 

If the Dealer has made an original declaration of 
“One-Spade” and Second Player passes, Third 
Player calls “One-Diamond,” the Fourth Player, 
“ One-Heart.” The Dealer now declares “ One- 
Royal” and the Second Player over-calls with 
“ Two-Hearts.” 

The Third Player cannot now increase his Part¬ 
ner’s Royal call with the tricks in his Dia¬ 
mond suit, for these have already been shown, and 
counted by the Dealer, when making his Royal 
declaration. 

If holding strength outside the Diamond suit, of 
course a raise is permissible. 

This point should always be kept in mind as it 
is just as important in raising a free as a forced 
call— not to use the same material twice. 

If the Player has made a “One No-Trump ” dec¬ 
laration and has been over-called by the Opponents, 
what should influence his Partner in raising his bid ? 





THE COUNT OF AN ASSISTING HAND 59 


It is difficult to raise the Partner’s “ One No- 
Trump ” bid with the same degree of accuracy that 
can be done with his suit declaration. 

Two tricks are still necessary for an increase, and 
these should consist of Aces and Kings, and a 
guarded Honor in the suit declared by the Opponent. 

Is a once-guarded King sufficient protection in the 
Adversary’s suit? 

A King once guarded is counted as a trick, but 
thought should always be given before increas¬ 
ing the Partner’s contract (either at Trump or No- 
Trump), as to whether the suit to which the King 
belongs has been declared by the Adversary on the 
left; if it has been, it can be led through and lost. 

What inferences can be drawn by the Player when 
his Partner supports his Trump call ? 

First. —That on his first raise, he shows two sure 
tricks and at least two trumps. 

Second. —That if he increases a second time 
three tricks are promised. 

Third. —That on the third raise the hand holds 
four sure tricks. 


6o 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Fourth .—That if the Partner passes, after an over¬ 
bid by the Opponent, his hand denies two tricks 
and only one can be counted upon with safety. 

Fifth .—That if he increases a forced call three 
tricks are indicated in his hand. 

Sixth .—That if the Player’s No-Trump dec¬ 
laration is increased by the Partner, a guarded 
Honor in the Adversary’s suit is assured and 
strength in, at least, one other suit. 




SEVENTH LESSON 


THE GENERAL DECLARATION 

After the first round of bidding, what should influ¬ 
ence further declarations ? 

The second round of bidding shows the real 
ability of the Player, for it requires sound judgment, 
good card sense, and the correct drawing of all in¬ 
ferences from the previous bidding to decide wisely 
as to the next step. 

Four courses are open to him if he has been over¬ 
called: 

To increase his or his Partner’s original declara¬ 
tion, 

To change to another make, 

To double the Adversary’s bid, or 

To pass. 

The strength of the hand and the state of the score 
must be the guides in choosing which to follow. 

61 


62 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Is it better to bid for game or with the object of 
defeating the Adversaries ? 

All the large Rubbers are made by the penalties 
acquired through the failure of the Opponents in 
fulfilling their contracts, rather than by the trick 
points won. 

If a Rubber is too quickly made it is bound to be 
a small one, whereas, if the Adversaries’ declara¬ 
tions are nursed along and then defeated the points 
thus gained roll up into large figures; consequently, 
at certain states of the score it is more profitable 
to defeat the Adversaries than to make game. 

At what state of the score should this practice be 
followed ? 

When the Rubber is not in jeopardy, that is, 
when the Player has won the first game. 

At such a score if his hand holds four or five 
cards to an Honor of the Adversary’s trump bid, 
it is better to pass even if the rest of his cards 
should warrant a declaration. 

With such strength as he holds, it is a certainty 
that the Opponents cannot go game, and a strong 
probability that he will defeat their contract. 





THE GENERAL DECLARATION 63 


This situation should be carefully considered for 
it is the controlling principle of all good bidding. 

Better to defeat the Adversary than to play for game, 
unless their declaration is dangerous at the score. 

The above principle is calculating against the Ad¬ 
versary’s bid when holding a strong hand, what 
should be the course when holding a doubtful one ? 

To leave the Opponents in with their declaration, 
if they cannot go game, and let them make their 
contract, but bid to the capacity of the hand if the 
game or the Rubber is in danger with their make. 

The intermediate scores are comparatively of so 
little importance in Auction, that the chief consid¬ 
eration in making declarations, is whether a hand is 
a game-winner (and should be bid for that pur¬ 
pose), or whether to use its strength for defeating 
the Adversary’s contract. 

These are the two vital points around which 
good bidding revolves, and the decision is always 
influenced by the state of the score. 

If the Dealer has bid “One No-Trump ” and has 
been over-called by the Fourth Player with ‘ ‘ Two- 


6 4 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Diamonds ”—Dealer holding this hand — what 
should he do ? 

V A 6 4 

+ K 1 O 8 7 6 

«!• 9 5 

4 A Q 8 

Pass, as his only long suit has been declared by 
the Opponents. 

This renders it improbable that he will make 
more than one trick in the suit, and the hand holds 
little else of value. 

It is much wiser to use its strength toward sav¬ 
ing game, or possibly defeating the Opponents, 
than to risk a doubtful “Two No-Trump,” with 
little chance of making game. 

What strength is required to safely increase an 
original No-Trump bid over a Trump declaration by 
the Opponents ? 

Of course a protected Honor in the trump suit is 
absolutely necessary for the first declaration, but 
further increase is dangerous, unless holding two 
stops in the adversary’s suit, or an established out¬ 
side suit, where it is only necessary for the hand 
to get the lead to run it off. 



THE GENERAL DECLARATION 65 


With scattered strength and only one stop, in 
the adverse call, it is much wiser to pass and leave 
the raising to the Partner. 

He will increase if he has the requisite strength, 
and unless he has, the combined hands do not 
warrant a two-trick call. 

Is it ever wise to bid as high as four or five tricks 
on a haiid ? 

There can be distributions of the cards which 
would make such a declaration comparatively safe. 

A two-suit hand against a two-suit hand. Long, 
powerful trumps, a strong outside suit, and only 
one or two in the Adversary’s bid—the losing cards 
can easily be counted. 

Such a hand is practically invincible. 

To account for this high bidding, the other two 
suits must be divided in the same way in the 
Opponent’s hand, and an interesting position de¬ 
velops and spirited bidding is the result. 

Has the score any influence on such high bidding? 

Yes. If the fulfilled contract of four tricks will not 
make game, it is unwise to assume such a respon¬ 
sibility. 



66 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


When bidding with Clubs or Diamonds as trumps, 
at a love score, unless the hand, in combination 
with the Partner’s, will count up to five tricks 
(thus making game) it is injudicious to bid as high 
as “four.” 

What is meant by the term “forcing up” the 
Adversary ? 

It is to a certain extent calling above the true 
value of a hand, with the object of forcing the 
Opponents to a still higher call, then to either 
double or defeat their contract at the increased bid. 

The two considerations which would justify this 
over-bidding are 

First .—If the Opponents have made a call with 
which they will win the game should they fulfil 
their contract, and 

Second .—If the hand is sufficiently strong to 
defeat, or double them, if they are forced up to a 
higher call. 

To over-call the Adversary without these two 
factors (simply to bid them up) is more than futile, 
it is dangerous, for they may not take the force and 
then the Player will be left in, with his inadequate 
hand, with little chance of fulfilling his contract. 





THE GENERAL DECLARATION 67 


Example of “ Forcing Up ” the Adversary 

Dealer, “ One-Royal/’ Second Player, “Two- 
Clubs.” Third Player, “No.” Fourth Player, 
“No.” 

If the score is 0-20 in favor of the Adversaries, 
the Dealer will bid “Two-Royals” (for the ful¬ 
filled contract of “Two-Clubs” means game), 
hoping that the clubs will be forced to a bid of 
“three” and that he can defeat this increased call. 

With a love score, and the bidding the same, 
the Dealer on the second round would not continue 
his suit, unless with a game-making hand, for there 
is very little chance of the game being made with 
Clubs. 

To repeat, the intermediate scores are compara¬ 
tively of so little value in Auction that it is always 
wiser to let the Opponents work for them. 

If the Player has declared “One-Royal” and 
has been over-called by the Partner with “Two- 
Diamonds ’ ’ (which would show great weakness 
in Kbyals) and he in turn finds that his own hand 
holds but one, or none, of the Diamond suit, what 
should influence him in his further bidding ? 

The number of his Royals. 

If he holds six, he should over-call his Part- 


68 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


ner’s Diamond declaration with a bid of two 
Royals, arguing that if the Partner holds even 
one Royal it gives the Player the majority, and 
the Diamonds can be brought in as a side suit. 

If, however, he holds but five Royals (unless 
they contain the three or four top Honors, when he 
should over-call), he should leave the Diamond call 
with his Partner, trusting they are of greater length 
than his Royals. 

The above situation often arises. A Player’s 
declaration being over-called by his Partner, with 
a suit of less value (showing weakness in the orig¬ 
inal call), and he in turn being short of his Part¬ 
ner’s suit. 

The length and strength of his trumps should 
decide his further bidding. 

If holding a hand containing Clubs and Diamonds 
of equal strength, which should be declared first ? 

The Diamonds, for should the Partner declare 
“One No-Trump” (second hand having passed) 
and fourth hand “Two-Hearts,” the Clubs can be 
shown by a bid of “three” on the second round 
of bidding, and the Partner can then over-bid with 
“Two No-Trump,” whereas, should the Clubs be 
declared first, and the bidding continue the same, 





THE GENERAL DECLARATION 69 


it would require a call of “Three-Diamonds” to 
over-bid the “Two-Hearts,” thus forcing the Part¬ 
ner to a “Three No-Trump” declaration. 


V 6 3 2 

♦ J IO 4 

•X* J 1 O 6 2 
A Q J 9 


Example 


¥ 

A K 8 4 

♦ 

8 7 6 



K 7 3 


A 

K IO 4 



3 d PLAYER 


K> 



0* 


tr 

hj 

l- 1 

> 


►tf 

c 

> 

k! 


<< 

W 

W 

DEALER 

M 

W 

¥ 



♦ 

A Q 9 5 

2 

* 

A Q 9 8 

5 

4 

6 3 2 



Q J109 7 5 
♦ K 3 

4 • 4 

Jfk A 8 7 5 


First Round of Bidding 

Dealer, “One-Diamond.” Second Player,“ No.” 
Third Player, “One No-Trump.” Fourth Player, 
“Two-Hearts.” 

Second Round 

Dealer, “Three-Clubs.” Second Player, “ No.” 
Third Player, “ Two No-Trump.” Fourth Player, 
“No.” 




EIGHTH LESSON 


DOUBLING 

When the Player doubles a declaration of the 
Adversary, what does he contract to do ? 

• 

To defeat their declaration. In other words, he 
announces that his hand (in combination with his 
Partner’s) is sufficiently strong to keep the Ad¬ 
versaries from fulfilling their contract. 

What should influence a Player in doubling the 
Adversary’s declaration ? 

The strength of his hand (in combination with 
that of his Partner’s), the state of the score, and 
principally the number of tricks the Adversaries 
have contracted to take. 

How strong a hand is necessary to double the 
Opponent’s call ? 


70 


DOUBLING 


7 1 


Enough probable tricks (taken in combination 
with the Partner’s hand) to break the Opponent’s 
contract. Doubling should never be done on a 
doubtful hand. 

The penalties the Doubler incurs (in the event of 
failure) are too heavy to be risked lightly. He is 
playing for only an extra 50 points per trick—all he 
can get if he succeeds. On the other hand, the 
Player, if he fufils his contract (after having been 
doubled), gets not only his bonus of 50 points for 
making good his contract, and 50 points as well for 
every over-trick, but also the doubled value of these 
tricks scored below the line toward game. It be¬ 
hooves the Player, when tempted to double, to take 
all these points into consideration and count his 
hand carefully. 

At what state of the score is it most advanta¬ 
geous to double ? 

If the score is such that the Adversaries’ fulfilled 
contract will win the game, then a double is in or¬ 
der—this is known as a “ free double.” The odds 
are not so great then, for should the Doubler fail 
he does not feel that his having doubled has given 


72 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


the Adversaries the game as well as their increased 
trick score. 

A double of a “Two-Heart” declaration, if the 
Adversaries are 16 or more toward game, is an 
illustration of this point. They will win the game 
in any case if they fulfil their contract, thus making 
it an excellent time for doubling. Whereas, take 
the same declaration of “ Two-Hearts ” at a love 
score, and the situation is entirely changed. A 
double would now give the Adversaries their game, 
if they fulfil their contract, which they would not 
have won undoubled. 

How does the number of tricks of the Adversaries’ 
contract influence the Player in doubling ? 

The more tricks that the Adversaries contract to 
take, make fewer necessary for the Doubler to win 
to beat them. Also it gives them less chance to 
change their declaration after being doubled with¬ 
out obviously over-bidding their hand. 

Is it ever wise to double a one-trick suit call ? 

No; if a one-trick call is doubled, it is usually 
easy for one of the Adversaries to bid “two” in an- 


DOUBLING 


73 


other suit, thus rendering the cards which were 
held to defeat the original call valueless against the 
changed declaration. For this reason it is rarely 
good play to double a one-trick call except in Spades. 


Why are Spades made the exception ? 

The doubling of a “One-Spade” call (usually 
done by the Second Player) is never done with the 
intention of playing them, but simply to inform the 
Partner of the two tricks in high cards of that suit 
(without sufficient length to declare Royals), and, 
at least, one other trick in the hand. 

This double not only shows the Partner wherein 
the hand will help a No-Trump declaration, but in¬ 
dicates the high Spades toward a Royal bid. 

It directs the lead as well should Third Player 
declare No-Trump. 


Examples of Hands with Which to Double a “ One- 
Spade” Declaration by Dealer 


V 8 7 4 
♦ A 8 5 
A J 4 2 
A A Q 5 3 


V K 2 

♦ 8 4 3 2 

^ Q 8 3 

4 K Q 6 4 


V A 6 4 
♦ 986 

•ft 8 5 3 

A J 1 O 5 




74 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


How strong a hand is necessary to double a two- 
trick suit call ? 

It is never good judgment to double a two-trick 
call holding a weak, unguarded suit, to which the 
Adversaries may change, no matter how strong the 
rest of the hand may be. It is better to pass and 
defeat them. 

When the Adversary has bid his hand to a three 
or four trick contract, it is not necessary to have 
strength in the trumps to double, particularly if the 
Adversaries’ fulfilled contract would win game or 
Rubber. So few tricks are needed to defeat them 
that if the other three suits are controlled by high 
cards it is all the strength necessary (with average 
help from the Partner) to make the double a sound 
one. If the Partner has shown a long, powerful 
suit by bidding up to “two” or “ three” in it, it 
is more than probable that the Adversaries will be 
short and able to trump it. Under these circum¬ 
stances the Partner’s assistance in this suit cannot 
be taken into consideration. 

Is a “One No-Trump ” declaration ever dou¬ 
bled? 



DOUBLING 


75 


Only by the Player on the left of the Declarer, 
and then only when he holds a very powerful hand 
with every suit strongly guarded by Aces or Kings. 

A hand prepared to double any suit to which the 
Adversaries may change. This double informs the 
Partner of such strength, and if the double be left 
in, he should change the declaration to his longest 
suit. This will give him the play and places the 
original No-Trump after the weak and before the 
strong hand. This double is made possible by the 
New Count, as the Partner can over-bid with 
“two” in any suit and is a pretty play for position. 


Examples of Hands with Which to Double a “ One 
No-Trump ” Declaration 


¥ K Q 5 
♦ A K Q 
4 i K 6 2 
A J 9 7 


A J lO 
♦ K Q 3 
A K J 
4k A Q J 


A 1 O 6 4 
Q J lO 
K Q J 
4k A K 8 


What strength is necessary to double a ‘ ‘ two ’ ’ or 
“three” No-Trump bid? 

An established suit, or one which can be estab¬ 
lished in one round, and an outside Ace for re-entry. 


76 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


A hand in which the necessary tricks to defeat the 
Adversary’s contract can absolutely be counted 
(taken in conjunction with the tricks shown by the 
Partner). To double on all-round strength is dan¬ 
gerous unless the No-Trump bid has gone as high 
as “four.” 


Does the position of the doubling hand make any 
difference ? 

To double a Trump call when the declaration 
has been made on the Doubler’s left is obviously 
poor judgment, as it locates the trump and suit 
strength to the Declarer and enables him to lead 
through the hand and finesse his cards to advan¬ 
tage. 


If a Player has so strong a hand as to leave him 
in doubt as to whether he will double the Adversary’s 
declaration or play for his own game, what should 
guide him ? 

It is usually the state of the score which influ¬ 
ences his decision. If he has won the first game 


DOUBLING 


77 


so that the Rubber is not in question, and his hand 
warrants it, he should double and play to defeat 
the Adversaries, thus increasing his Honor score. 
On the first or Rubber games it is wiser to play 
for game. 

IVhat is meant by an ‘ ‘ Informatory Double ”? 

One which informs the Partner of the holding of 
high cards in the Adversary’s declaration and is 
usually done over the Partner’s original No-Trump 
call and the Second Player’s trump bid. 

For example: Dealer, “ One No-Trump.” Sec¬ 
ond Player, “Two-Hearts.” If the Third Player 
holds more than ordinary protection in the Hearts, 
that is, four or five, including two Honors, with per¬ 
haps an outside trick, he should double rather than 
increase the Dealer’s No-Trump. 

This double informs the Dealer of greater strength 
in the Opponent’s suit than would a “Two No- 
Trump” bid and leaves him in the enviable position 
of being able to continue his original call with a 
good chance for game or of allowing the double to 
stand with a practical surety of defeating the Ad¬ 
versaries. 




78 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


If a Player’s bid has been doubled, should his 
Partner change the declaration if possible ? 

The Partner of the Player who has been doubled 
is usually in doubt as to what is expected of him, 
for there is a prevailing feeling that an effort must 
be made by him to change the bid at any cost. 
To do so on a declaration that is uncertain of ful¬ 
filment is to court disaster and should never be 
done. 

The time to take a Partner out of a double is 
when the contract for tricks can be decreased rather 
than increased, such as a “Two No-Trump” when 
the Partner’s “Three-Clubs” has been doubled, 
but even this should not be done on a doubtful 
hand. 

If a Player has doubled an adverse call and the 
Partner can give no assistance to the double, what 
should he do ? 

Change the declaration if possible, usually back 
to the original one on which he and the Player had 
been bidding before the Player had doubled the 
Adversary’s make. 


DOUBLING 


Example 

A Q J 8 4 
♦ Q J 7 2 
+ 10 7 4 

A K 


¥ 2 

A K 1 O 8 5 4 
A A K 
A 7 5 4 3 


10 7 5 
♦ - 

A J 986532 

A A 1 O 8 

First Round of Bidding 

Dealer, “One-Spade/’ Second Player, “One- 
Diamond.” Third Player, “ One-Heart.” Fourth 
Player, “Two-Diamonds.” 

Second Round 

Dealer, “ Two-Hearts.” Second Player, “ Three- 
Diamonds.” Third Player, “Double.” Fourth 
Player, “ No.” 

Third Round 

Dealer, “ Three-Hearts.” Second Player, “ No.” 
Third Player, “No.” Fourth Player, “No.” 


3d PLAYER 


w 

a. 

<-*■ 

tr 

¥ 

K 6 

4 

3 

V 

f 

*0 

f 

♦ 

9 6 

3 


> 

<< 

W 

w 

> 

Hj 

w 

w 

* 

* 

Q 

Q J 

9 

6 2 


DEALER 







8o 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Under what conditions should a Player re¬ 
double ? 

Only when he is absolutely sure of enough tricks 
to fulfil his contract and when there is no declara¬ 
tion to which the Adversaries can change without 
over-bidding their hands. Unless such is the case 
it is better to refrain from re-doubling. If, how¬ 
ever, the Partner of the Player who has been 
doubled holds more support in his hand than he 
has shown by his previous bidding (and has confi¬ 
dence in the soundness of his Partner’s original 
declaration), he is justified in re-doubling. 


NINTH LESSON 


LEADS AND DISCARDS 
Leads 

When the bidding is concluded and the final dec¬ 
laration won with a trump bid, what should govern 
the opening lead ? 

If the Dealer has won his declaration without 
any opposition, i. e ., if all the other three players 
have passed, the first lead should be as at Bridge. 

First. —King, from Ace, King, or King, Queen, or 
Ace, King, Queen, with others. 

Second. —A singleton, if holding either Ace or 
King of trumps, with one or two small ones. 

Third. —Ace, from a suit of four or more. 

Fourth. —Top of sequence cards—Queen, from 
Queen, Jack, io, or Queen, Jack, 9, or Jack, 
from King, Jack, 10, or Jack, 10, 9. 

Fifth. —Higher of two cards always. 

81 


82 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Sixth .—Fourth best from long suit. This is an 
excellent lead if holding four or five trumps to an 
Honor. 

If the Dealer can be forced on the long suit, there 
is a good chance of the Leader being left with the 
last trump and thus be able to make his suit. 

If the Dealer has won the final declaration with 
a trump, over a suit bid by the Fourth Player, what 
should be the first lead? 

Usually the highest card of the suit called by his 
Partner, but if the Leader holds an Ace-King suit, 
or a singleton, the lead of the King or the singleton 
is the stronger. 

In the first instance, the lead of the King affords a 
look at the Dummy and shows the re-entry of the 
Ace to the Partner. 

In the second instance, the lead of the singleton 
offers a good opportunity for ruffing if the hand 
holds the first or second stop in trumps (i. e. } either 
Ace or King) with two or three small ones. 

Why is the Ace or King of trumps necessary 
when leading a singleton ? 



LEADS AND DISCARDS 


83 


Because this lead may establish that suit for the 
Declarer, and if it does, and he holds all the high 
trumps as well, the game is his. 

But if the Leader can stop the trump suit (after 
the Declarer has won his singleton lead), he can 
play for his Partner’s suit and get a return lead of 
the suit to which his singleton belongs, thus mak¬ 
ing one small trump, and perhaps more, if these 
leads can be repeated. 

How does the Partner recognise a singleton lead ? 

When the Leader opens with a suit other than 
the one his Partner has called, and then later leads 
his Partner’s suit, a singleton is shown in the suit 
first led, and this suit should at once be returned 
for a ruff. 

Should the highest card of the Partner’s suit 
always be led irrespective of the number held ? 

Always, if the final declaration has been won by 
a Trump make. 

There is so little chance of a long suit being 
brought in against a trump declaration that the 
high cards should be made as soon as possible. 


8 4 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


If the declaration has been won with a No- Trump 
bid, what should govern the opening lead ? 

If the Dealer has won the declaration without 
any intervening bids, the Leader should open his 
play as at Bridge. 

First. —Ace, from any suit of five cards or more 
to Ace, King, Queen, or Ace, King, Jack. 

Second. —King, from any suit of four cards or 
more to Ace, King, or King, Queen, Jack, or King, 
Queen, io. 

Third. —Queen, from any suit of four cards or 
more to Ace, Queen, Jack (unless holding another 
Ace, then lead Ace of the suit and follow with 
Queen); or Queen, from Queen, Jack, io, or Queen, 
Jack, 9. 

Fourth. —Jack, from any suit of four cards or 
more to Ace, Jack, 10, King, Jack, 10, Jack, 10, 9, 
or Jack, 10, 8. 

Fifth .—The 10, from 10, 9, 8, with or without 
others. 


Is it wise to lead the King from only four cards 
to the Ace-King ? 


LEADS AND DISCARDS 


85 


Yes. In Auction the King is led from any Ace- 
King suit, even though it contains but four cards, 
as it is such an advantage to see the Dummy, and 
also the value of the card played by the Partner, 
before losing the lead. 

If the Partner’s card is a very low one and gives 
no encouragement to continue the suit, it can be 
abandoned and another tried, to find the Partner’s 
possible strength. 


Then the long suit should always be opened on 
the initial lead against a No- Trump declaration ? 

If the suit is headed by a tenace such as Ace, 
Queen, or King, Jack, 10, without an entry , and 
has been shown on the first round of bidding, it is 
often wiser to try to put the Partner in the lead 
by playing the top of a short suit, hoping it may 
be his strong one. If this should be the case 
the long suit can be led through the Declarer’s 
hand, which undoubtedly holds a guarded Honor 
of it. 

If the Leader’s hand holds a sure re-entry, how¬ 
ever, it is better to clear the long suit at once 
before the re-entry can be taken out. 


86 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


If the Dealer has won the final declaration with 
a “ No-Trump ” over a suit bid by Fourth Player, 
what should be the first lead ? 

Usually the Partner’s suit. 

The Leader should never hesitate to play for his 
Partner’s suit on account of the probable protection 
held in it by the Declarer. It is much better for 
the Leader to clear the suit before his Partner loses 
any re-entry card he may hold. 

Should the Leader hold a suit of at least five 
cards, which can be established by one lead, and a 
sure re-entry as well, then he may play for his own 
suit. 

The size of the Partner’s declaration, however, 
should influence this lead. If he has bid up to 
“two” or “three,” and the Leader holds more 
than one of the suit, he should play his Partner’s 
suit on the initial lead. 


Should the highest card of the Partner’s suit al¬ 
ways be led if the declaration has been won by a 
‘ ‘ No- Trump ’ ’ bid ? 

Not always; it depends on the number of cards 



LEADS AND DISCARDS 


87 


held in that suit. Holding two or three, the high¬ 
est is played. 

With four or more, the fourth best should be led, 
unless the suit is headed by the Ace, or by Honors 
in sequence, then the top card should be played. 

What advantage does this method of leading 
possess ? 

It keeps a high card beyond the strength of the 
Declarer’s hand and enables the Partner to count 
the cards of his suit. For example: If the Leader 
holds four to the King of the suit his Partner has 
bid, he leads the fourth best. 

The Partner wins with the Ace (supposing his 
suit contains five, or six, to Ace, Jack, 10) and 
returns the Jack through the Declarer’s Queen, 
which card he must hold to justify his “ No- 
Trump” bid. 

If the Declarer covers with the Queen the Leader 
has the King beyond—if the Declarer plays low 
the Leader does the same, allowing the Jack to 
win, and another lead through the Queen follows, 
which must eventually fall under the King, thus 
making every card in the suit a winning one. 


88 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


If the Declarer holds the Ace of the suit no 
harm is done, as he would have won the trick in 
any event. 

What should he led if the Partner has doubled a 
No-Trump declaration ? 

If the Partner has doubled a “No-Trump” bid 
after having shown a suit, it is usually best to lead 
that suit, but if he has doubled after the Leader 
has shown a suit, the Leader should play for his 
own. If both have bid on different suits, and then 
the Partner doubles, the Leader should play for the 
Partner’s suit unless his own is established. 


Discards 

What general rules should govern the Declarer’s 
Opponents in their discards ? 

The discard at Auction is from weakness . The 
strong suits have probably been indicated by the 
bidding, making it unnecessary to show them by 
the discard. The protection of the hand is the first 
and most important consideration, and enough cards 



LEADS AND DISCARDS 


89 


should be kept, if possible, to guard the Honors of 
suits in which it seems likely that the Partner is 
weak and the Declarer strong. 

If a Player should hold a suit headed by a ten- 
ace, beyond a protected Honor in the Dummy, how 
is he to indicate to his Partner that he wishes that 
suit led to him ? 

By making his first discard as high as the 7 or 
over, and following at the next opportunity with 
a lower card of the same suit. 

This is known as the “ Encouragement” discard. 

In other words, the discard of the 7 or over 
shows a desire to have that suit led, and the dis¬ 
card of any card below the 7 indicates weakness 
in that suit. 

If a Player has led one suit and later in the game 
discards a high card of another it shows a re-entry 
in the latter suit. 

How is it possible to keep all Honors guarded if 
many discards have to be made on a long suit ? 

It is not always possible and it is sometimes very 
difficult to know which Honor to keep protected. 


90 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Strict watch should be kept on the Partner’s 
discards, and the same suit should not be thrown 
away from both hands. 

To deceive the Declarer (by the discard) as to 
the position of an Honor against which he wishes 
to finesse is always clever play. 

For example: If the Dummy holds a suit, ten- 
ace high (i. e. y Ace-Queen), and the Fourth Player 
holds the King beyond, with two or three small 
cards, a discard of one or two of them on the De¬ 
clarer’s long suit will almost invariably induce him 
to finesse the Queen, placing the King with the 
Second Player. 

Vice versa, if he has weak cards in the Dummy’s 
tenace suit, it is good policy to hold them and to 
discard from his strong suit, thus giving the De¬ 
clarer the impression that he is protecting the King 
of Declarer’s Ace-Queen suit. 



TENTH LESSON 


THE PLAY OF THE HANDS 
The Declarer’s Play 

Does the play of the Declarer's hand differ in 
Auction from that of Bridge ? 

In two essential points only: 

First. —The one aim and object of the Declarer 
after having seen the Dummy is to plan and play his 
hand to fulfil his contract; when this seems reason¬ 
ably assured he should make every effort to win the 
game. 

Second. —That with the inferences drawn from the 
bidding the high cards can be located with so much 
greater accuracy, that finesses can be taken, and 
suits cleared which would have been hazardous to 
have attempted at Bridge. 

This is especially true of the game as played with 
the “ New Count,” for as all the suits are now 
game-makers, it makes a great deal of bidding and 
in consequence much knowledge is gained as to lo¬ 
cation of suit strength. 


91 


92 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Does not the state of the score influence the play 
of the Declarer's hand ? 

Yes, if the score is such that the winning of a 
game and Rubber is dependent on a successful 
finesse, which if it failed would lose the contract 
by one trick only, the chance should be taken pro¬ 
vided the contract has not been doubled. 

At any other state of the score the Player should 
not endanger his contract by such play, for every 
trick of an unfulfilled contract means 50 points 
to the Adversary, and it does not take many of 
these penalties to give them a large Rubber if 
they win it. 

Is a hand planned and played in the same general 
way as at "Bridge ? 

Yes, the same rules which govern trump play, 
finessing, unblocking, ace management, second¬ 
hand play, and all the many methods which have 
proved their worth in the play of the Dealer and 
Dummy hands at Bridge, and in explanation of 
which so much has be‘en written, are as valuable 
and correct at Auction. 

The play is much simplified, however, by the 


THE PLAY OF THE HANDS 


93 


many inferences drawn from the bidding and the 
original lead. 

What inferences can he drawn from the original 
lead ? 

If the Leader has declared “two” in any suit 
over a previous declaration, and has been over-called 
by the Player on his right with “Two No-Trumps” 
and then leads a suit other than the one which he 
bid originally, the Declarer can feel sure that the 
Leader’s suit is headed by either Ace, Queen, or 
King, Jack, and that his hand is void of entry cards. 

He is evidently trying to put the lead in his 
Partner’s hand, in order to have his original suit 
led through the Declarer’s hand to enable him to 
finesse. 

The inference to be drawn here, is that all the 
Aces and Kings, outside of the Leader’s suit, not held 
by the Declarer or his Partner are in the Fourth 
Player’s hand, and care should be taken to play 
through them rather than up to them. 

If the Fourth Player has bid a suit and the 
Leader opens with a small card of another suit, a 
singleton is probably indicated, which should be 


94 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


taken at once, if possible, by the Declarer and 
trumps led immediately. 


What inferences can be drawn from the bidding? 

There are so many that it is hard to enumerate 
them. 

In the first place the Player must train his mind 
to remember all the bids. 

He must also remember the Players who have 
passed, for this negative information is most val¬ 
uable. 

If a Player does not increase his Partner’s suit 
call after it has been over-bid by the Adversary, two 
tricks are denied in his hand. 

This confession of weakness the Declarer should 
bear in mind when finessing his suits as it enables 
him to locate the missing Honors with comparative 
accuracy. 


The Opponent’s Play 

After the final declaration has been won, do the 
Opponents employ the same methods and principles 
of play as at Bridge ? 


THE PLAY OF THE HANDS 


95 


Practically the same. 

All the general principles are adhered to. 

Taking out the entry card from the Dummy 
while holding command of his long suit. 

Blocking the Declarer’s long suit by holding up 
the Honor (for which he is finessing) until the short 
hand is exhausted. 

Never leading a suit which the weak hand can 
trump, but 

Forcing the strong hand whenever possible, and 

Taking advantage of every chance to lead through 
strength and up to weakness. All these obtain in 
Auction as in Bridge. 

The essential point of difference, however, is to 
plan not only to take enough tricks to save the game, 
but to break the Declarer's contract as well. 

After enough tricks have been won to save the 
game every effort should be made and every chance 
taken to defeat the Declarer. 

A most important point to bear in mind from the 
very beginning of the hand is the number of tricks 
necessary to accomplish both these objects, so that 
the Player will not be obliged to stop and calculate 
during the play. 

If but one trick is required to save the game and 


96 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


a finesse is in question, it should not be taken, for 
if it is unsuccessful and the Declarer wins the 
game, it is two chances to one that he wins the 
Rubber. 

Are the “echo” and “ continue-the-suit” calls 
the same as in Bridge ? 

Yes; when the declaration has been won by a 
Trump call, the play of a high card (other than 
an Honor), and then a lower one, on the lead of a 
King by Partner, shows no more of the suit and an 
ability to trump on the third round. 

The play of a card as high as a 7 on an Ace led 
by the Partner, shows the King of that suit. 

When the declaration has been won by a No- 
Trump and the Partner “ echoes ” (a high and then 
a low card) on an Honor played by the Leader, it 
asks him to continue the suit and shows him four 
in that suit. 

If a small card is played on the opening lead of 
an Honor it shows weakness and lack of assistance 
in that suit; unless the Leader is very strong in it 
he will change to another to try and find any pos¬ 
sible strength his Partner may hold. 


THE PLAY OF THE HANDS 


97 


What plan of attack should the Leader employ if 
he has finally doubled a suit call made originally by 
the Dealer? 

He should lead his longest suit hoping that the 
Dealer is short and that he may thus force his 
strong trump hand. 

If this succeeds he should continue to play this 
suit each time he regains the lead, and thus weaken 
the Declarer’s trump suit, hoping to be left with the 
last trump, when he would be able to make such 
good cards as may remain in his hand. 

Then the play of the hands (both Declarer's and 
Opponent’s) is practically the same as at Bridge? 

Yes, with the few exceptions mentioned in this 
lesson. 

The would-be Auction Player is seriously handi¬ 
capped if he has not had a thorough grounding in 
the rudiments of Bridge, and he would do well to 
make a study of them and familiarize himself with 
the parent game before attempting the more com¬ 
plicated one of Auction. 






[The following “ Laws of Auction Bridge,” approved 

and adopted by the Whist Club, New York, Sep¬ 
tember, 1912, are published here by permission.] 

THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE* 

The Rubber 

1. The Partners first winning two games win the 
Rubber. If the first two games decide the Rubber, 
a third is not played. 

Scoring 

2. A game consists of 30 points obtained by 
tricks alone, exclusive of any points counted for 
Honors, chicane, slam, little slam, bonus, or under¬ 
tricks. 

3. Every deal is played out, and any points in 
excess of the 30 necessary for the game are counted. 

4. When the Declarer wins the number of tricks 
bid, each one above six counts toward the game: 
2 points when Spades are trumps, 6 when Clubs 
are trumps, 7 when Diamonds are trumps, 8 when 
Hearts are trumps, 9 when Royal Spades are trumps, 
and 10 when there are no trumps. 

5. Honors are Ace, King, Queen, Knave, and 10 
of the trump suit; or the Aces when no trump is 
declared. 

^Copyright, 1912, by The Whist Club, New York 

99 


IOO 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


6. Honors are credited in the Honor column to the 
original holders, being valued as follows: 


When a Trump is Declared 


Honors held between Partners equal value of 

2 

tricks 

U it ti (( 

u 

u 

4 

U 

(( (( (( It 

u 

u 

5 

U 

“ “ in 1 hand 

u 

u 

8 

<< 

( 5th in ) 

1 




“ “ “ 1 “ Partner’s 

y a 

u 

9 

u 

L hand 3 

) 




u u a j u 

u 

“ 10 

i i 


When No Trump is "Declared 

3 Aces held between Partners count 30 

. << it << u (< 

4 40 

4 “ “ in one hand “ 100 


7. Slam is made when seven by cards is scored 
by either side, independently of tricks taken as 
penalty for the revoke; it adds 40 points to the 
Honor count.* 

8. Little slam is made when six by cards is simi¬ 
larly scored ; it adds 20 points to the Honor count.* 

9. Chicane (one hand void of trumps) is equal in 
value to simple Honors, i.e., if the Partners, one of 
whom has chicane, score Honors, it adds the value 
of three Honors to their Honor score; if the Adver¬ 
saries score Honors, it deducts that value from theirs. 

*Law 84 prohibits the revoking side from scoring slam or little slam. 





THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE ioi 


Double chicane (both hands void of trumps) is equal 
in value to four Honors, and that value must be de¬ 
ducted from the Honor score of the Adversaries. 

10. The value of Honors, slam, little slam, or 
chicane is not affected by doubling or redoubling. 

11. At the conclusion of a Rubber the trick and 
Honor scores of each side are added and 250 points 
added to the score of the winners. The difference 
between the completed scores is the number of 
points of the Rubber. 

12. A proven error in the Honor score may be 
corrected at any time before the score of the Rubber 
has been made up and agreed upon. 

13. A proven error in the trick score may be 
corrected prior to the conclusion of the game in 
which it occurred. Such game shall not be con¬ 
sidered concluded until a declaration has been made 
in the following game, or, if it be the final game of 
the Rubber, until the score has been made up and 
agreed upon. 


Cutting 

14. In cutting, the Ace is the lowest card; as 
between cards of otherwise equal value, the lowest 
is the Heart, next the Diamond, next the Club, and 
highest the Spade. 

15. Every Player must cut from the same pack. 

16. Should a Player expose more than one card, 
the highest is his cut. 



102 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Forming Tables 

17. The prior right of playing is with those first 
in the room. If there are more than four candi¬ 
dates of equal standing, the privilege of playing is 
decided by cutting. The four who cut the lowest 
cards play first. 

18. After the table is formed the Players cut to 
decide upon Partners, the two lower playing against 
the two higher. The lowest is the Dealer, who has 
choice of cards and seats, and who, having made 
his selection, must abide by it. 

19. Six Players constitute a complete table. 

20. The right to succeed any Player who may 
retire is acquired by announcing the desire to do 
so, and such announcement shall constitute a prior 
right to the first vacancy. 

Cutting Out 

21. If, at the end of a Rubber, admission is 
claimed by one or two candidates, the Player or 
Players having played the greatest number of con¬ 
secutive Rubbers shall withdraw; but when all 
have played the same number they must cut to 
decide upon the outgoers; the highest are out.* 

Right of Entry 

22. A candidate desiring to enter a table must 
declare his intention before any Player at the table 

* See Law 14 as to value of cards in cutting. 




THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 103 


cuts a card, whether for the purpose of beginning 
a new Rubber or of cutting out. 

23. In the formation of new tables candidates 
who have not played at any existing table have 
the prior right of entry. Others decide their right 
to admission by cutting. 

24. When one or more Players belonging to an 
existing table aid in making up a new one he or 
they shall be the last to cut out. 

25. A Player who cuts into one table, while 
belonging to another, forfeits his prior right of 
re-entry into the latter unless he has helped to 
form a new table. In this event he may signify 
his intention of returning to his original table when 
his place at the new one can be filled. 

26. Should any Player leave a table during the 
progress of a Rubber, he may, with the consent of 
the three others, appoint a substitute to play dur¬ 
ing his absence; but such appointment shall be¬ 
come void upon the conclusion of the Rubber, and 
shall not in any way affect the substitute’s rights. 

27. If any Player break up a table the others 
have a prior right elsewhere. 

Shuffling 

28. The pack must not be shuffled below the 
table nor so that the face of any card may be seen. 

29. The Dealer’s Partner must collect the cards 
from the preceding deal and has the right to shuffle 
first. Each Player has the right to shuffle subse- 


104 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


quently. The Dealer has the right to shuffle last; 
but, should a card or cards be seen during his 
shuffling, or while giving the pack to be cut, he 
must re-shuffle. 

30. After shuffling, the cards properly collected 
must be placed face downward to the left of the 
next Dealer, where they must remain untouched 
until the play with the other pack is finished. 

The Deal 

31. Each Player deals in his turn; the order of 
dealing is to the left. 

32. The Player on the Dealer’s right cuts the 
pack, and in dividing it he must leave not fewer 
than four cards in each packet; if in cutting or 
in replacing one of the two packets a card is ex¬ 
posed, or if there is any confusion or doubt as to 
the exact place in which the pack was divided, 
there must be a fresh cut. 

33. When the Player whose duty it is to cut 
has once separated the pack, he can neither re¬ 
shuffle nor re-cut, except as provided in Law 32. 

34. Should the Dealer shuffle the cards after the 
cut, the pack must be cut again. 

35. The fifty-two cards shall be dealt face down¬ 
ward. The deal is not completed until the last 
card has been dealt. 

36. In the event of a misdeal the cards must be 
dealt again by the same Player. 


THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 105 


A New Deal 

37. There must be a new deal— 

a If the cards are not dealt into four packets, one at a 
time and in regular rotation, beginning at the 
Dealer’s left. 

b If, during a deal, or during the play, the pack is 
proven incorrect or imperfect. 

c If any card is faced in the pack or is exposed during 
the deal on, above, or below the table. 

d If any Player has dealt to him a greater number of 
cards than thirteen, whether discovered before or 
during the play. 

e If the Dealer deal two cards at once and then deal a 
third before correcting the error. 

/ If the Dealer omit to have the pack cut and either 
Adversary calls attention to the fact prior to the 
completion of the deal and before either Adversary 
has looked at any of his cards. 

g If the last card does not come in its regular order to 
the Dealer. 

38. Should three Players have their right num¬ 
ber of cards, the fourth less, and not discover such 
deficiency until he has played, the deal stands; 
he, not being Dummy, is answerable for any estab¬ 
lished revoke he may have made as if the missing 
card or cards had been in his hand. Any Player 
may search the other pack for it or them. 

39. If, during the play, a pack be proven incor¬ 
rect, such proof renders the current deal void but 
does not affect any prior score. (See Law 37 b.) 


io6 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


If during or at the conclusion of the play one Player 
be found to hold more than the proper number of 
cards and another have an equal number less, the 
deal is void. 

40. A Player dealing out of turn or with the Ad¬ 
versaries’ cards may be corrected before the last 
is dealt, otherwise the deal must stand and the 
game proceed as if the deal had been correct, the 
Player to his left dealing the next hand. A Player 
who has looked at any of his cards may not correct 
such deal, nor may his Partner. 

41. A Player can neither cut, shuffle, nor deal 
for his Partner without the permission of his Ad¬ 
versaries. 

Declaring Trumps 

42. The Dealer, having examined his hand, must 
declare to win at least one odd trick, either with a 
declared suit or at “ No-Trumps.” 

43. After the Dealer has made his declaration, 
each Player in turn, commencing with the Player 
on the Dealer’s left, has the right to pass, to make 
a higher declaration, to double the last declaration 
made, or to redouble a declaration which has been 
doubled, subject to the provisions of Law 54. 

44. A.declaration of a greater number of tricks 
in a suit of lower value, which equals the last dec¬ 
laration in value of points, shall be considered a 
higher declaration— e.g., a declaration of “Three- 
Spades ” is a higher declaration than “ One-Club.” 


THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 107 


45. A Player in his turn may over-bid the pre¬ 
vious adverse declaration any number of times, and 
may also over-bid his Partner, but he cannot over¬ 
bid his own declaration which has been passed by 
the three others. 

46. The Player who makes the final declaration 
shall play the combined hands of himself and his 
Partner (the latter becoming Dummy), unless the 
winning suit was first bid by the Partner, in which 
case he, no matter what bids have intervened, 
shall play the hand. 

47. When the Player of the two hands (herein¬ 
after termed “the Declarer”) wins at least as many 
tricks as he declared, he scores the full value of the 
tricks won. (See Laws 4 and 6.) When he fails, 
neither the Declarer nor his Adversaries score any¬ 
thing toward the game, but his Adversaries score 
in the Honor column 50 points for each under¬ 
trick— i. e.y each trick short of the number declared ; 
or, if the declaration has been doubled, or redoubled, 
100 or 200, respectively, for each such trick. 

48. The loss on the original declaration by the 
dealer of “One-Spade” is limited to 100 points 
whether doubled or not, unless redoubled. Honors 
are scored as held. 

49. If a Player make a declaration (other than 
passing) out of turn, either Adversary may demand 
a new deal, or may allow the declaration so made 
to stand, in which case the bidding shall continue 
as if the declaration had been in order. 



AUCTION BRIDGE 


108 


50. If a Player make an insufficient or impossible 
declaration either Adversary may demand that it 
be penalized, provided such demand be made before 
an Adversary has passed, doubled, or declared. In 
case of an insufficient declaration the penalty is 
that the Declarer must make his bid sufficient, and 
his Partner is debarred from making any further 
declaration unless an Adversary subsequently bids 
or doubles. In case of an impossible declaration 
the penalty is that the Declarer is considered to 
have bid to take all the tricks and his Partner can¬ 
not further declare unless an Adversary subse¬ 
quently bids or doubles. Either Adversary, instead 
of accepting the impossible declaration, may de¬ 
mand a new deal or may treat his own or his 
Partner’s last previous declaration as final. 

51. If, after the final declaration has been made, 
an Adversary of the Declarer give his Partner any 
information as to any previous declaration, whether 
made by himself or an Adversary, the Declarer may 
call a lead from the Adversary whose next turn it 
is to lead; but a Player is entitled to inquire, at 
any time during the play of the hand, what was 
the final declaration. 

52. A declaration legitimately made cannot be 
altered after the next Player has passed, declared, 
or doubled. Prior to such action by the next 
Player, a declaration inadvertently made may be 
corrected. 



THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 109 


Doubling and Re-doubling 

53. The effect of doubling and re-doubling is that 
the value of each trick over six is doubled or quad¬ 
rupled, as provided in Law 4; but it does not alter 
the value of a declaration— e. g. t a declaration of 
“Three Clubs” is higher than “Two Royal 
Spades” even if the “ Royal-Spade” declaration 
has been doubled. 

54. Any declaration can be doubled and re¬ 
doubled once, but not more; a Player cannot 
double his Partner’s declaration, nor re-double his 
Partner’s double, but he may re-double a decla¬ 
ration of his Partner which has been doubled by 
an Adversary. 

55. The act of doubling or re-doubling re-opens 
the bidding. When a declaration has been doubled 
or re-doubled, any Player, including the Declarer or 
his Partner, can in his proper turn make a further 
declaration of higher value. 

56. When a Player whose declaration has been 
doubled wins the declared number of tricks, he 
scores a bonus of 50 points in the Honor column 
and a further 50 points for each additional trick. 
If he or his Partner has re-doubled, the bonus is 
doubled. 

57. If a Player double out of turn, either Adver¬ 
sary may demand a new deal. 

58. When the final declaration has been made 


110 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


the play shall begin, and the Player on the left of 
the Declarer shall lead. 

Dummy 

59. As soon as the Player to the left of the 
Declarer has led, the Declarer’s Partner shall place 
his cards face upward on the table, and the duty 
of playing the cards from that hand shall devolve 
upon the Declarer. 

60. Before placing his cards upon the table the 
Declarer’s Partner has all the rights of a Player, 
but after so doing takes no part whatever in the 
play, except that he has the right— 

a To ask the Declarer whether he lias any of a suit in 
which he has renounced. 

b To call the Declarer’s attention to the fact that too 
many or too few cards have been played to a trick. 

c To correct the claim of either Adversary to a penalty 
to which the latter is not entitled. 

d To call attention to'the fact that a trick has been 
erroneously taken by either side. 

e To participate in the discussion of any disputed ques¬ 
tion of fact after it has arisen between the De¬ 
clarer and either Adversary. 

/To correct an erroneous score. 

61. Should the Declarer’s Partner call attention 
to any other incident of the play in consequence of 
which any penalty might have been exacted, the 
Declarer is precluded from exacting such penalty. 

62. If the Declarer’s Partner, by touching a card 



THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE nr 


or otherwise, suggest the play of a card from Dum¬ 
my, either Adversary may call upon the Declarer 
to play or not play the card suggested. 

63. Dummy is not liable to the penalty for a re¬ 
voke ; if he revoke and the error be not discovered 
until the trick is turned and quitted, whether by 
the rightful winners or not, the trick must stand. 

64. A card from the Declarer’s own hand is not 
played until actually quitted ; but should he name 
or touch a card in the Dummy, such card is con¬ 
sidered as played unless he, in touching the card, 
say, “I arrange,” or words to that effect. If he 
simultaneously touch two or more such cards, he 
may elect which one to play. 

Cards Exposed Before Play 

65. If, after the cards have been dealt and be¬ 
fore the trump declaration has been finally deter¬ 
mined, any Player lead or expose a card, the 
Partner of the offending Player may not make any 
further bid or double during that hand, and the 
card is subject to call. When the Partner of the 
offending Player is the original Leader, the Declarer 
may prohibit the suit of the exposed card being 
the initial lead. 

66. If, after the final declaration has been made 
and before a card is led, the Partner of the Leader 
to the first trick expose a card, the Declarer may, 
in addition to calling the card, prohibit the lead of 
the suit of the exposed card; should the rightful 
Leader expose a card it is subject to call. 



112 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


Cards Exposed During Play 

67. All cards exposed after the original lead by 
the Declarer’s Adversaries are liable to be called, 
and such cards must be left face upward on the 
table. 

68. The following are exposed cards: 

1st. Two or more cards played at once. 

2d. Any card dropped with its face upward on the 
table, even though snatched up so quickly that 
it cannot be named. 

3d. Any card so held by a Player that his Partner sees 
any portion of its face. 

4th. Any card mentioned by either Adversary as being 
held by him or his Partner. 

69. A card dropped on the floor or elsewhere be¬ 
low the table or so held that an Adversary but not 
the Partner sees it is not an exposed card. 

70. If two or more cards are played at once by 
either of the Declarer’s Adversaries, the Declarer 
shall have the right to call any one of such cards to 
the current trick, and the other card or cards are 
exposed. 

71. If, without waiting for his Partner to play, 
either of the Declarer’s Adversaries play or lead a 
winning card, as against the Declarer and Dummy, 
and continue (without waiting for his Partner to 
play) to lead several such cards, the Declarer may 
demand that the Partner of the Player in fault win, 
if he can, the first or any other of these tricks, and 
the other cards thus improperly played are exposed 
cards. 



THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 113 


72. If either or both of the Declarer’s Adversaries 
throw his or their cards on the table face upward, 
such cards are exposed and are liable to be called; 
but if either Adversary retain his hand he cannot 
be forced to abandon it. Cards exposed by the 
Declarer are not liable to be called. If the Declarer 
say, “ I have the rest,” or any other words in¬ 
dicating that the remaining tricks or any number 
thereof are his, he may be required to place his 
cards face upward on the table. His Adversaries 
are not liable to have any of their cards called 
should they thereupon expose them. 

73. If a Player who has rendered himself liable 
to have the highest or lowest of a suit called (Laws 
80, 86, and 92) fail to play as directed, or if, when 
called on to lead one suit he lead another, having 
in his hand one or more cards of the suit demanded 
(Laws 76 and 93), or if, called upon to win or lose 
a trick, fail to do so when he can (Laws 71, 80, 
and 92), or if, when called upon not to play a suit, 
fail to play as directed (Laws 65 and 66), he is liable 
to the penalty for revoke, unless such play be cor¬ 
rected before the trick is turned and quitted. 

74. A Player cannot be compelled to play a card 
which would oblige him to revoke. 

75. The call of an exposed card may be repeated 
until such card has been played. 

Leads Out of Turn 

76. If either of the Declarer’s Adversaries lead 
out of turn the Declarer may either treat the card 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


1 14 


so led as an exposed card or may call a suit as soon 
as it is the turn of either Adversary to lead. 

77. If the Declarer lead out of turn, either from 
his own hand or from Dummy, he incurs no pen¬ 
alty; but he may not rectify the error after the 
second hand has played. 

78. If any Player lead out of turn and the three 
others follow, the trick is complete and the error 
cannot be rectified; but if only the second, or 
second and third, play to the false lead, their cards 
may be taken back; there is no penalty against 
any except the original offender, who, if he be one 
of the Declarer’s Adversaries, may be penalized as 
provided in Law 76. 

79. If a Player called on to lead a suit has none 
of it, the penalty is paid. 

Cards Played in Error 

80. Should the fourth hand, not being Dummy 
or Declarer, play before the second, the latter may 
be called upon to play his highest or lowest card of 
the suit played or to win or lose the trick. 

81. If any one, not being Dummy, omit playing 
to a trick and such error is not corrected until he 
has played to the next, the Adversaries or either of 
them may claim a new deal; should either decide 
that the deal is to stand, the surplus card at the 
end of the hand is considered to have been played 
to the imperfect trick, but does not constitute a 
revoke therein. 

82. When any one, except Dummy, plays two 



THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 115 


or more cards to the same trick and the mistake is 
not corrected, he is answerable for any consequent 
revokes he may have made. When during the 
play the error is detected, the tricks may be 
counted face downward, to see if any contain more 
than four cards; should this be the case, the trick 
which contains a surplus card or cards may be 
examined and the card or cards restored to the 
original holder, who (not being Dummy) shall be 
liable for any revoke he may meanwhile have 
made. 

The Revoke* 

83. A revoke occurs when a Player, other than 
Dummy, holding one or more cards of the suit led, 
plays a card of a different suit. It becomes an 
established revoke if the trick in which it occurs is 
turned and quitted by the rightful winners (i. e. y 
the hand removed from the trick after it has been 
turned face downward on the table); or if either 
the revoking Player or his Partner, whether in turn 
or otherwise, lead or play to the following trick. 

84. The penalty for each established revoke is: 

a When the Declarer revokes, his Adversaries add 150 
points to their score in the Honor column, in addi¬ 
tion to any penalty which he may have incurred 
for not making good his declaration. 

b If either of his Adversaries revoke, the Declarer may 
either add 150 points to his score in the Honor col¬ 
umn or may take three tricks from his Opponents 
and add them to his own. Such tricks may assist 


*See Law 73. 





AUCTION BRIDGE 


116 


the Declarer to make good his declaration, but 
shall not entitle him to score any bonus in the 
Honor column, in the case of the declaration hav- 
been doubled or re-doubled. 

c When more than one revoke is made by the same 
side during the play of the hand the penalty for 
each revoke after the first shall be ioo points in 
the Honor column. 

A revoking side cannot score except for Honors 
or chicane. 

85. A Player may ask his Partner if he has a 
card of the suit which he has renounced; should 
the question be asked' before the trick is turned 
and quitted, subsequent turning and quitting does 
not establish a revoke, and the error may be cor¬ 
rected unless the question is answered in the nega¬ 
tive, or unless the revoking Player or his Partner 
has led or played to the following trick. 

86. If a Player correct his mistake in time to 
save a revoke, any Player or Players who have 
followed him may withdraw their cards and sub¬ 
stitute others, and the cards so withdrawn are not 
exposed. If the Player in fault is one of the De¬ 
clarer’s Adversaries, the card played in error is ex¬ 
posed and the Declarer may call it whenever he 
pleases; or he may require the offender to play 
his highest or lowest card of the suit to the trick, 
but this penalty cannot be exacted from the De¬ 
clarer. 

87. At the end of a hand the claimants of a re¬ 
voke may search all the tricks. If the cards have 




THE LAWS OF AUCTION BRIDGE 117 


been mixed the claim may be urged and proved if 
possible; but no proof is necessary and the claim 
is established if, after it has been made, the accused 
Player or his Partner mix the cards before they 
have been sufficiently examined by the Adversaries. 

88. A revoke must be claimed before the cards 
have been cut for the following deal. 

89. Should both sides revoke, the only score 
permitted shall be for Honors in trumps or chicane. 
If one side revoke more than once, the penalty of 
100 points for each extra revoke shall then be 
scored by the other side. 

General Rules 

90. Once a trick is complete, turned, and quitted, 
it must not be looked at (except under Law 82) 
until the end of the hand. 

91. Any Player during the play of a trick or 
after the four cards are played, and before they 
are touched for the purpose of gathering them 
together, may demand that the cards be placed 
before their respective players. 

92. If either of the Declarer’s Adversaries, prior 
to his Partner playing, call attention to the trick, 
either by saying it is his, or, without being re¬ 
quested so to do, by naming his card or drawing 
it toward him, the Declarer may require such 
Partner to play his highest or lowest card of the 
suit led or to win or lose the trick. 

93. Either of the Declarer’s Adversaries may 
call his Partner’s attention to the fact that he is 




AUCTION BRIDGE 


118 


about to play or lead out of turn; but if during 
the play of a hand he make any unauthorized 
reference to any incident of the play, or of any 
bid previously made, the Declarer may call a suit 
from the Adversary whose turn it is next to lead. 

94. In all cases where a penalty has been in¬ 
curred the offender is bound to give reasonable 
time for the decision of his Adversaries. 

New Cards 

95. Unless a pack is imperfect, no Player shall 
have the right to call for one new pack. If fresh 
cards are demanded, two packs must be furnished. 
If they are produced during a Rubber, the Adver¬ 
saries shall have the choice of the new cards. If 
it is the beginning of a new Rubber, the Dealer, 
whether he or one of his Adversaries is the party 
calling for the new cards, shall have the choice. 
New cards must be called for before the pack is 
cut for a new deal. 

96. A card or cards torn or marked must be 
replaced by agreement or new cards furnished. 

By-standers 

97. While a by-stander, by agreement among the 
Players, may decide any question, he should not 
say anything unless appealed to; and if he make 
any remark which calls attention to an oversight 
affecting the score, or to the exaction of a penalty, 
he is liable to be called upon by the Players to pay 
the stakes (not extras) lost. 




ETIQUETTE 
OF AUCTION BRIDGE 

In Auction Bridge slight intimations convey much 
information. A code is compiled for the purpose of 
succinctly stating laws and for fixing penalties for 
an offence. To offend against etiquette is far more 
serious than to offend against a law; for, while 
in the latter case the offender is subject to the pre¬ 
scribed penalties, in the former his Adversaries have 
no redress. 

1. Declarations should be made in a simple man¬ 
ner, thus: “One-Heart,” “One No-Trump,” or 
“I pass,” or “ 1 double”; they should be made 
orally and not by gesture. 

2. Aside from his legitimate declaration, a Player 
should not give any indication by word or gesture 
as to the nature of his hand, or as to his pleasure 
or displeasure at a play, a bid, or a double. 

3. If a Player demand that the cards be placed, 
he should do so for his own information and not to 
call his Partner’s attention to any card or play. 

4. No Player, other than the Declarer, should 
lead until the preceding trick is turned and quitted ; 
nor, after having led a winning card, should he 
draw another from his hand before his Partner has 
played to the current trick. 

5. A Player should not play a card with such 

119 


120 


AUCTION BRIDGE 


emphasis as to draw attention to it; nor should 
he detach one card from his hand and subsequently 
play another. 

6. A Player should not purposely incur a penalty 
because he is willing to pay it, nor should he make 
a second revoke to conceal a first. 

7. Players should avoid discussion and refrain 
from talking during the play, as it may be annoy¬ 
ing to Players at the table or to those at other 
tables in the room. 

8. The Dummy should not leave his seat for the 
purpose of watching his Partner’s play, neither' 
should he call attention to the score nor to any 
card or cards that he or the other Players hold, 
nor to any bid previously made. 

9. If a Player say, “I have the rest,” or any 
words indicating the remaining tricks are his, and 
one or both of the other Players should expose his 
or their cards, or request him to play out the hand, 
he should not allow any information so obtained to 
influence his play nor take any finesse not an¬ 
nounced by him at the time of making such claim 
unless it had been previously proven to be a winner. 

10. If a Player concede in error one or more 
tricks, the concession should stand. 

11. A Player having been cut out of one table 
should not seek admission into another unless will¬ 
ing to cut for the privilege of entry. 

12. No Player should look at any of his cards 
until the deal is completed. 











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